Why is there actually a Chinese tower in the English Garden?
The Chinese Tower rises up in the middle of the English Garden, one of the most beautiful inner-city parks in the world at around 375 hectares. At its feet is a wonderful beer garden, which is particularly popular in summer. But why?
A long history
The Chinese Tower is a small architectural highlight and was first built in 1789. It represents the cultural diversity and historical exchange between Europe and Asia and is a fine example of the so-called European Chinoiserie style. It was very fashionable at the time and symbolized a "romanticized idea of Chinese architecture". Friedrich Ludwig von Sckell was the landscape architect of the English Garden and wanted to turn it into a versatile and internationally inspired oasis in the middle of the city by building the Chinese Tower, among other things.
The 25 meter high tower with its five floors of wood and its characteristic pagoda style reflects the fascination for Far Eastern culture at the time. Unfortunately, the building was badly damaged during the Second World War. It was rebuilt true to the original in the 1950s.
The spacious beer garden around the tower is one of the most popular beer gardens in Munich. Up to 7,000 guests can enjoy traditional Bavarian specialties and freshly tapped beer here under shady chestnut trees. Once a year, early in the morning, Munich dances here at the famous "Kocherlball". Up to 12,000 people meet once a year at 5 a.m. to celebrate and dance the night away. And other festivals and events also make this beautiful place a lively center of the city's cultural life.
Conclusion
Then as now, the Chinese Tower stands for a cosmopolitan and sociable Munich and combines Bavarian conviviality with the joy of international togetherness across all borders.