Question: What if I told you that this building was once a church and is now a museum? That’s the Augustinerkirche. It stands as a testament to Munich’s evolving history.
The Augustinerkirche, or Augustinian Church, has transformed over the centuries. Once a place of worship it now houses the Deutsches Jagd- und Fischereimuseum. This unique transition tells a story of secularization war and rebirth.
In the 13th century, Augustinian hermits built this basilica. It was designed in the Gothic style. For many years it served as the abbey church for the Augustinian monastery. Monks brewed beer here since the early 14th century. This was the origin of Augustiner-Bräu. It is Munich’s oldest brewery still in existence.
However the church’s fate changed in 1803. The abbey was dissolved. The church was deconsecrated. It was repurposed as a toll hall. Later in 1911, Theodor Fischer built the “White Hall” in the nave’s former space.
World War II inflicted heavy damage. The Augustinerkirche lay in ruins. From 1962 to 1964, Erwin Schleich rebuilt it. It was rebuilt to house the German Hunting and Fishing Museum.
Veit Schmidt remodeled the church from 1618 to 1621. He used plans by Hans Krumpper. This remodeling changed the church to the Baroque style.
The monastery building now serves as the police headquarters in Munich. This shows how the area has adapted to modern needs.
Consider Johann von Staupitz. He was elected prior of the abbey in 1503. Staupitz was Martin Luther’s monastic superior teacher and confessor.
The Augustinerkirche stands near the Kaufingertor. The Kaufingertor was one of Munich’s original medieval city gates.
Today the Augustinerkirche is a cultural heritage monument. It stands as a bridge between Munich’s past and present. As you explore the Deutsches Jagd- und Fischereimuseum remember the Augustinian monks. Their legacy lives on in this building. It is a place where history architecture and Bavarian tradition converge.