Munich’s Ludwigstrasse to Undergo Radical Transformation: Fewer Car Lanes, More Green Space
Munich, May 6, 2026 – The city of Munich is planning a spectacular redesign of Ludwigstrasse, a central boulevard, according to an official press release from the state capital, the Rathaus Umschau (83/2026). The transformation will significantly reduce vehicular traffic and introduce extensive green spaces, marking a radical change for motorists and a boon for pedestrians and public transport users.
Architectural Competition Selects Winning Design
A jury for the realization competition has selected two landscape architecture firms from Paris to lead the redesign. This project is a direct consequence of the planned reconstruction of the Odeonsplatz subway station’s concourse. Following the completion of construction work by Stadtwerke München and Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft, the surface above the station will also be redeveloped.
From Six Lanes to Two: A New Era for Ludwigstrasse
The current plans propose reducing the up to six car lanes of Ludwigstrasse, between Brienner Strasse and Oskar-von-Miller-Ring, to just two. This reduction will create opportunities to reorder the various modes of transport, including bus services, in the southern part of Ludwigstrasse. The aim is to gain space for a higher quality of stay and design, prioritizing pedestrians and integrating public transport.
Tree Islands, Rapid Cycle Paths, and Pedestrian Priority
Numerous tree islands are planned along the axis from the Feldherrnhalle to Von-der-Tann-Strasse, as reported by the Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ). The traffic volume is intended to be minimized. The design integrates various means of transportation, from taxis and buses to rapid routes for cyclists. However, the SZ report emphasizes that pedestrians will be given priority. The redesign also ensures that ample space remains for the numerous events held on Odeonsplatz and the boulevard.
Further along the street, between Von-der-Tann-Strasse and Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, approximately 300 trees are slated for planting. The city’s building department had emphasized a “climate-responsible design with greening and unsealing” as a key objective for the design competition. Twelve renowned landscape architecture firms from Germany and abroad participated, with input from residents, the Free State of Bavaria, and local businesses.
A Pedestrian-Friendly Promenade Amidst Historic Architecture
According to city officials, the primary goal of the redesign is to transform Ludwigstrasse into an inviting promenade for Munich’s citizens and visitors, offering a pleasant recreational area between its representative historic buildings, while also addressing climate adaptation. The jury, comprising eight expert judges and seven factual judges, was chaired by Andrea Gebhard, President of the Federal Chamber of Architects.
The first prize was awarded to the Parisian firms “MDP Michel Desvigne Paysagiste SARL” and “PCA-STREAM.” The jury praised the design’s objective to shape Ludwigstrasse as a “generous space and urban ‘hall square.'” They particularly appreciated “the idea of tree groves arranged like stepping stones, rich in species, which lend a design tranquility to the space and at the same time create island-like, shady, and predominantly unsealed recreational areas.”
Timeline for the Transformation
The exact timeline for the redesign is not yet fixed. Construction work on the subway station is expected to commence in 2028 and last for three to four years. Following this, the surface reconstruction and redesign of Ludwigstrasse could begin.
Source: Rathaus Umschau (83/2026), Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), City of Munich Building Department
