Richard-Strauss-Brunnen

The Richard Strauss Fountain features a large bowl perched atop a bronze column standing six meters high, with water flowing downward in shifting directions. Bronze reliefs wrap around the column base, depicting scenes from the composer's most famous opera.

Hans Wimmer designed this fountain in 1962 as a tribute to Richard Strauss, the Munich-born composer who held the post of general music director at the Bavarian State Opera. Strauss ranks among Europe's most influential composers of his era.

The bronze reliefs encircling the pillar tell the story of Richard Strauss's opera Salome through sculpted scenes. Visitors walking past can trace the dramatic narrative that inspired this famous musical work.

The fountain sits on Neuhauser Strasse near Saint Michael's Church, right in Munich's busy pedestrian shopping zone. Visit in early morning hours to see it with fewer crowds and better lighting for viewing the bronze details.

The descending water creates patterns resembling flowing veils, referencing the famous Dance of the Seven Veils scene from Strauss's opera. This design element translates the music into a visual and physical experience.

Location: Altstadt-Lehel

Inception: 1962

Architects: Hans Wimmer

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 48.13866,11.56959

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22