Ludwig II Denkmal e. V.
From the First Initiative to the Monument’s Restoration – A Success Story
The driving force behind the initiative to reinstate the monument to King Ludwig II was Dietmar Holzapfel, proprietor of the renowned Deutsche Eiche in Munich. With great personal commitment, he launched the campaign to restore the monument and began collecting signatures in support of the project.
His efforts bore fruit. On 3 July 2018, the Munich City Council’s Building Committee passed a resolution in favour of the proposal. This paved the way for the establishment of the non-profit association Ludwig II Monument Association (Ludwig II.-Denkmal e. V.) in 2019. From that point onwards, the association worked tirelessly to bring the monument back to its original location on the Cornelius Bridge.
In March 2025, Munich City Council took a landmark decision: a smaller version of the historic monument was to be erected, financed entirely through donations raised by the association. The way was now clear for the project to become a reality.
The monument was finally constructed in 2026 and ceremonially unveiled on 13 June of that year. After more than eight decades, King Ludwig II had returned to his historic place on the Cornelius Bridge.
With this long-cherished project successfully completed, the association had also fulfilled its purpose. At the general meeting on 3 November 2026, its members therefore voted unanimously to dissolve the association. Their shared goal had been achieved: the monument to King Ludwig II once again adorns the Cornelius Bridge and has reclaimed its place in Munich’s cityscape.
What began as one man's personal initiative and a collection of signatures became reality through collective dedication, perseverance and the generosity of numerous donors. A piece of Munich's history has found its rightful place once again.
