Munich, March 4, 2026 – The city of Munich is set to significantly enhance its healthcare services for children and adolescents with the opening of a new, dedicated facility: the House for Child and Youth Health. Located at Hackenstraße 12 in the heart of Munich’s Old Town, the center will commence operations on March 9th, 2026. This move consolidates the city’s school entry examinations and school medical consultations, previously conducted at Bayerstraße, into a modern and child-friendly environment.
Improved Accessibility and Child-Friendly Environment
Mayor Verena Dietl (SPD) and Deputy Health Officer Susanne Herrmann presented the new premises on Tuesday, emphasizing the benefits of the new location. “Parents often face a jungle of options,” Dietl stated, highlighting the annual invitation of 15,000 children for school entry examinations as a crucial opportunity for engagement. The new facility aims to create a more welcoming and less intimidating atmosphere for these important health screenings.
The interior design of the new House reflects a clear focus on its young patients. Waiting rooms feature brightly colored chairs in orange, blue, and yellow, with child-sized tables and stools. Bookcases filled with picture books are strategically placed to entertain children. This thoughtful design aims to alleviate anxiety often associated with medical examinations, fostering a more positive experience for children and their parents.
Comprehensive Screenings and Individualized Care
The facility is designed to conduct comprehensive health screenings for children in their penultimate kindergarten year. These examinations include crucial hearing and vision tests, as well as assessments of the child’s linguistic development. The first two floors of the building are dedicated to these screenings, with the capacity to run up to 14 examinations simultaneously on most days, ensuring efficient processing for the large number of children invited annually.
Dr. Kathrin Martignoni, one of the physicians at the new center, showcased an inclusive treatment room. This spacious room features a floor mat, a wooden board with skill games, a child’s table with toys, and a play stethoscope. “Here we can respond very individually to the needs,” Dr. Martignoni explained, emphasizing the personalized approach to care. Another room for school medical consultations is similarly equipped, with a colorful couch and a board for eye tests. Dr. Anna Franz noted, “With younger children, you can get into conversation well through picture books.”
Addressing Broader Health Needs and Providing Guidance
Beyond the mandatory school entry examinations, the House for Child and Youth Health will also offer school medical consultations. These consultations provide essential support for children facing various challenges, such as prolonged school absenteeism or chronic illnesses. Dr. Franz highlighted the center’s role as a
