Into the future

Munich Re is modernising its corporate headquarters in Munich-Schwabing

History

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The Main Building of Munich Re at Königinstraße 107 in Munich is an architectural jewel and at the same time a vibrant centre for the global reinsurance company. The historistic building in Schwabing, with its classical colonnade courtyard and its representative garden stands for Munich Re’s history, solidity, and reliability. The close connection between the building and the company’s identity is immediately tangible for employees, customers, and guests, as well as for the people of Munich.

Vision and tradition in balance

Currently, the headquarters and the East Building opposite are being renovated to enable future-oriented working and to create a modern place for meetings with customers and guests. The investment in the renovations is a clear commitment by the company to its location in Munich-Schwabing and to its responsibility as a corporate citizen.

The aim of the comprehensive renovations, which began in 2025, is to further develop the Munich location and to reconcile Munich Re’s history with the vision of a modern, more sustainable workplace. The responsible and careful handling of the historistic building fabric and artwork, the refurbishment with a focus on sustainability, as well as intelligent solutions regarding technical infrastructure and future-oriented work are central to the construction measures. Reoccupation of both buildings is planned for 2029.

Munich Re’s corporate architecture – always moving with the times

The Main Building – modern working at the beginning of the 20th century

The Main Building of the Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft, founded in 1880, was constructed in 1912/1913 based on designs by architects Oswald Eduard Bieber and Wilhelm Hollweck. After only 13 months of construction, the workforce, which had previously been spread across various locations in downtown Munich, was able to move into the new building in the Schwabing district.

The building’s exterior, designed in the historicist style, concealed an interior state-of-the-art reinforced concrete structure employing the highest technical standards of the time. Its contemporary construction, flexible room design, and the resulting work efficiency made the Main Building one of the most innovative office buildings in Munich for a long time. Since 1973, the building has been protected as a historical monument.

Construction site of the Main Building at Königinstraße, 1912/1913, viewed from the east

Completion of the reinforced concrete roof

Topping-out ceremony on June 28, 1912 — Topping-out ceremony on 28 June, 1912

Employees of the Münchener Rückversicherungs-Gesellschaft in a modern open-plan office

The East Building – state of the art in the 1960s

Between 1963 and 1965, the first extension building was constructed at the entrance to the English Garden. The East Building, with its clear, modern design language, was realised according to plans by the Munich architects Hans Maurer and Ernst Denk. It was one of the first office buildings with a suspended metal façade and set architectural as well as engineering standards. The East Building is also a protected historic monument.

Timeline

FAQ

Why is Munich Re renovating its Main Building at Königinstraße 107 and its East Building across the street?

Munich Re is renovating its historic Main Building at Königinstraße 107 to preserve an important part of its corporate heritage and Munich’s architectural history, while preparing the site for the future. The Main Building, completed in 1913, has been in continuous use ever since and is closely linked to Munich Re’s identity as a global reinsurer headquartered in Munich.

The East Building facing the English Garden, completed in 1965, is currently also being refurbished. Together, both listed buildings form a coherent campus that is being carefully modernised for long-term use at this location.

What is the overall goal of the revitalisation?

The revitalisation combines heritage preservation with modernisation. Munich Re aims to maintain the architectural identity of the buildings, upgrade their technical infrastructure, substantially improve energy performance and create contemporary working environments that reflect today’s ways of working – while reaffirming its long-term commitment to this central location in Schwabing.

Will the external appearance of the buildings change?

The exterior façades of both buildings will remain largely unchanged due to monument protection requirements and their architectural quality.

At the Main Building, changes will only be visible in the colonnade courtyard, with the goal of creating a transparent, attractive and functionally improved entrance area. In addition, a contemporary architectural element will be added to the inner courtyard: it will be covered with a glass roof which creates an open, bright space, but is only visible from above.

At the East Building, the aluminum façade will be upgraded for energy efficiency but will not be visually altered. Visible changes will only occur on the recessed ground floor, which will be designed more transparently as a reception and meeting area.

What will change inside the buildings?

Inside, all technical systems will be renewed, and interior spaces will be adapted to modern requirements. The redesigned inner courtyard of the Main Building will become a multifunctional forum under a glass roof, serving as a central meeting area for employees and a location for selected event formats.

How does the renovation contribute to sustainability and climate protection?

Instead of a new construction on a greenfield site, renovating existing buildings avoids significant construction-related emissions and additional land use. The measures include energy-efficient façades and windows, modern building technology, intelligent energy management systems, and a photovoltaic installation. Based on current modeling, a significant reduction in energy consumption is expected.

Who is responsible for the architectural design?

The renovation was designed by the London-based architectural firm Wilkinson Eyre in close coordination with monument protection authorities. The local implementation of the project is being conducted by the Munich-based architectural company allmannwappner. The original architects were Oswald Eduard Bieber and Wilhelm Hollweck (Main Building, 1912–1913) and Hans Maurer and Ernst Denk (East Building, 1963–1965).

In what time frame is the renovation taking place?

Renovation activities on the Main Building began in 2025, and the renovation of the East Building started in the first half of 2026. The completion of the overall project and gradual reoccupation are planned from 2029 onwards.

What are we doing to minimise the disturbance to the surrounding area from the construction site?

Efforts are being made to operate the large construction site carefully, keeping dust and noise disturbances as low as possible. Regarding local traffic management, all interventions are being coordinated with the District Administration Office, the police, and the fire brigade. Residents and neighbouring businesses are informed in advance about construction phases that could affect their surroundings.

Why is this renovation a long-term investment in the Munich location ?

By combining heritage preservation, sustainability and modern working environments, the renovation ensures that two listed buildings and a visible part of Munich’s architectural fabric can continue to be used responsibly and efficiently for decades to come.