Munich's former town hall (Altes Rathaus), located to the east of Marienplatz, is a landmark building with a chequered history. First documented in 1310, it has undergone numerous transformations. Rebuilt after a fire caused by lightning in 1460, it owes its current Gothic appearance to the architect Jörg von Halsbach, who redesigned it between 1470 and 1480. Its façade and interior were adapted over the centuries, particularly during the Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Gothic periods. Seriously damaged during the Second World War, the building was restored in keeping with its original Gothic aesthetic. Its 55-metre tower, which is older than the building itself, is part of Munich's medieval defensive system and now houses the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum).
The building, although more sober in appearance than the new town hall, retains a medieval charm and still houses a large Gothic ballroom used for official ceremonies and commemorations. In the past, it housed the regional parliament and, in the basement, was used as a state prison. In addition to its wooden vaulted ceiling decorated with gold stars, the Old Town Hall is renowned for its active role in municipal life until 1874, when the administration moved to the new Town Hall. Today, the building combines historical heritage with cultural functions, including access to the toy museum spread over several floors of its Gothic tower.
Sources: Wikipedia & Perplexity.ai
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