Zechbauerhaus

In 1911, a grand building arose on Residenzstrasse. It became known as the Zechbauerhaus. This impressive structure, designed by the renowned architects Heilmann & Littmann, boasts a richly detailed, historicist natural stone facade. The Zechbauerhaus stands five stories tall, crowned with a two-level hipped roof. But the Zechbauerhaus is more than just an architectural gem. It houses a Munich institution, Max Zechbauer Tabakwaren. This family business, founded in 1830, has a rich history intertwined with the city itself. Originally starting as a general store in 1795 by Franz and Anna Zechbauer, it evolved into a tobacco shop. Max Zechbauer had the groundbreaking idea to import cigars from Havana, a first in Germany. This transformed the business into the country’s first specialist cigar shop. The Zechbauer family’s success led them to open a colonial goods store in the arcades of the Hofgarten. In 1886, they received the prestigious title of Royal Bavarian Purveyor to the Court. They even supplied their goods to the Vatican, the Russian Tsar’s court, and various European royal houses. The Zechbauerhaus became the company’s home in 1911, housing their original shop, which continues to operate today. They further expanded their offerings by creating their own brand of cigars and cigarillos, hand-crafted in Germany using high-quality imported tobaccos. The Zechbauer family’s connection to the cigar world deepened in 1973 when they became the first purveyors of Davidoff cigars outside of Switzerland. This partnership cemented their position in the world of premium tobacco. Today, Max Zechbauer Tabakwaren stands as one of the finest tobacconists in Europe. Their commitment to quality and tradition earned them the Davidoff Golden Band Award in 2013, a testament to their long-standing excellence. While the world has changed, the Zechbauer family continues to uphold the legacy of their founder, Max Zechbauer. They offer a wide selection of tobacco products, including their own hand-crafted cigars and a variety of renowned brands. The Zechbauerhaus remains a testament to their enduring passion for fine tobacco and the rich history of Munich.