A “building block card” for 50 pfennigs: This is how Munich residents once helped finance the Auferstehungskirche—just a few steps away from the home of Oktoberfest

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Analea Schafer

 ·  September 18, 2026

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For nearly three decades, the Protestant congregation in Munich’s Westend fought for its own church. As construction finally drew nearer, a fundraising method now almost forgotten came to the rescue: a postcard sale.

In addition to church services, the Auferstehungskirche regularly serves as a venue for concerts and cultural events, including choral concerts, chamber music, rock, and pop, as well as the Westend Vibes series. The candlelight concerts are particularly enchanting, as atmospheric tributes to musical greats are performed in the warm glow of thousands of candles.

From Concept to Implementation

The Auferstehungskirche is one of the largest Protestant churches in Munich. It is located in the Schwanthalerhöhe neighborhood, to which numerous Protestant citizens were resettled after World War I.

The historic “building block map” depicted architect German Bestelmeyer’s design for the future Protestant church. The congregation used the proceeds from postcard sales to finance part of the construction costs for today’s Auferstehungskirche. For 50 pfennigs, a Munich resident could not only buy a picture of the planned church but also help make it a reality.

Events at the Auferstehungskirche

The church interior has a sound all its own: The historic Walcker organ from 1931 has 41 stops and 2,582 pipes and is one of the few organs of its kind in Bavaria that has been largely preserved in its original form.

The 48-meter-high tower also houses a five-bell chime, which includes one bell from the original set dating back to 1931. Candlelight makes full use of this unique setting: bathed in the glow of thousands of candles, the already atmospheric church interior itself becomes part of the concert experience.

Location and Directions

The Auferstehungskirche is located at Gollierstraße 55 in Munich’s Westend, right in the heart of the Schwanthalerhöhe neighborhood, and is easily accessible via the U4/U5 (Schwanthalerhöhe) and bus lines 53 and 134. There are public parking spaces around Gollierstraße; alternatively, the Forum Schwanthalerhöhe parking garage at Gollierstraße 6 is open 24 hours a day.

What defines the architecture?

The architecture of the Auferstehungskirche is characterized by the New Objectivity style and its striking exposed-brick facade. Built in 1930–1931, the church was designed by German Bestelmeyer, who architecturally coordinated it with Theodor Fischer’s neighboring Ledigenheim.

Why was the Auferstehungskirche built?

The Auferstehungskirche was built for the growing Protestant population in Munich’s Westend district. As early as 1903, an association was founded with the goal of establishing its own church; after decades of effort, it was finally consecrated in 1931.

What makes it special for Munich’s Westend?

The Auferstehungskirche is closely linked to the development of Munich’s Westend: in the heart of this densely populated working-class and artisan neighborhood, the growing Protestant congregation established its own religious center there.

Nearby venues in Munich

Next to the Auferstehungskirche are the Alte Kongresshalle and the Theresienwiese, best known as the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest. The Deutsches Theater and the Isarphilharmonie are also among the city’s major event venues. Last but not least, the atmospheric candlelight concerts also take place at various other breathtaking locations in Munich that are definitely worth a visit.