Picture this A grand old building stands before you. This is the Grundschule an der Herterichstraße. It’s more than just a school. It’s a piece of Munich’s history.
The Grundschule an der Herterichstraße wasn’t always here. In the early 1900s Solln was growing fast. The old village school was too small. Architect Franz Rank had a vision. He’d already built the new St Johann Baptist church nearby. Now he designed a new school. It opened in 1911. It was named the Luitpoldschule after Prince Regent Luitpold.
The building served many purposes. It wasn’t just a school. It housed a town office a storage area and even a bank branch. After Solln became part of Munich in 1938 its name changed. It became the Volksschule an der Herterichstraße. In 1947 it finally got its current name. The school celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011.
The original school building is quite special. It’s a protected landmark. Its style blends Baroque Revival and Art Nouveau with local influences. It has a large hipped roof. A central section juts out with a pointed gable. Notice the entrance behind a row of arches. Look carefully. You’ll see a sculpture of children reading. It was created in 1920 by Karl Lösche.
An extension was added in 1956. Architect Ernst Maria Lang designed it. A bridge connects it to the older building. In 2012 a new building opened. It contains a cafeteria and classrooms. This extended the school’s capacity to accommodate its growing student body.
Today the Grundschule an der Herterichstraße thrives. It’s a vibrant place of learning. It stands as a testament to Munich’s history. It’s a connection between the old village core and the Solln villa colony. The school the church and the rectory next door are a beautiful ensemble. They were designed by the same architect. They reflect a shared history and architectural style. This school is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living part of Munich’s story. A place where generations of children have learned and grown.