Justizpalast

The Justizpalast, or Palace of Justice, is one of Munich’s most imposing neo-Baroque landmarks, located right at the edge of the historic city center. Built in the late 19th century by architect Friedrich von Thiersch, this monumental courthouse is famous for its massive 67-meter-high glass and iron dome that floods the central atrium with light. While it serves as the active seat of the Bavarian Ministry of Justice, it is also a site of profound historical weight. It was here that the courageous members of the White Rose student resistance group, including Sophie and Hans Scholl, were tried and sentenced by the Nazi regime in 1943. Today, the building stands as a masterpiece of late 19th-century architecture and a solemn memorial to the fight for justice and human rights.

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Alles über Justizpalast

Was Sie erwartet

As of early 2026, the Justizpalast is generally open to the public from Monday to Thursday between 8:00 and 15:00, and on Fridays until 14:00. It remains closed on weekends and public holidays. One of the best things for travelers is that entry to the central "Hall of Light" and the permanent memorial exhibition is free of charge. Because this is an active courthouse, all visitors must pass through a security check at the main entrance on Prielmayerstrasse. You will need to show a valid ID and place your bags through an X-ray scanner. While the building is a public office, casual visitors are welcome to admire the architecture and the memorial room as long as they maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor.

Warum diese Tour buchen

The most significant site within the palace is Room 253, which houses the permanent exhibition "Willful Injustice in the Name of the German People." This bilingual display in German and English tells the story of the White Rose resistance trials and is a deeply moving experience. When exploring the central atrium, look up to see the intricate detail of the glass dome, which was a technological marvel of its time. Since the building is an active legal hub, photography is generally permitted in the public corridors and the atrium, but you must strictly avoid taking photos of employees, judges, or any ongoing legal proceedings. There are no tourist lockers or cloakrooms available, so it is highly recommended to visit with only a small daypack.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The Justizpalast is exceptionally easy to reach due to its prime location at Karlsplatz (Stachus). You can take any S-Bahn line (S1 through S8) or the U-Bahn lines U4 and U5 directly to the Karlsplatz (Stachus) station. If you are coming from the Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof), it is only a five-minute walk east along Prielmayerstrasse, or one stop on the S-Bahn. Multiple tram lines, including the 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 27, also stop right in front of the square. For those who enjoy walking, the palace is a scenic ten-minute stroll from Marienplatz through the main pedestrian shopping zone, ending at the historic Karlstor gate just opposite the courthouse entrance.

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The best time to visit is on a weekday morning around 9:00, shortly after the initial rush of court business has settled. This allows you to explore the Hall of Light and the White Rose memorial in a more peaceful atmosphere. Since the building closes early in the afternoon—at 15:00 most days and 14:00 on Fridays—be sure to arrive no later than 13:30 to give yourself enough time for the security check and a proper look at the exhibits. Avoid visiting during the lunchtime window (12:00 to 13:00) when the halls can become quite busy with staff. If you only want to see the exterior, the palace is spectacularly illuminated at night and provides a grand backdrop for evening photos from across the Stachus fountain.