When you explore Munich’s Maxvorstadt district, you can pause at a striking outdoor memorial known as "8. November 1939." This unique site honors Johann Georg Elser, a carpenter who stood up as a brave resistance fighter against the Nazi regime. In the summer of 1939, Elser moved to Munich and rented a room nearby to meticulously plan an assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler.
On November 8, 1939, his time bomb detonated at the local Bürgerbräukeller. Though the courageous attack ultimately failed and Elser was later executed at the Dachau concentration camp, his memory lives on through this deeply resonant artwork. Designed by artist Silke Wagner, the monument uses reflective aluminum and glass to spell out the significant date "8 November 1939." You will see the artistic elements arranged thoughtfully in a wide circle, cleverly designed to represent the shape of an explosion.
Visiting this location offers you a quiet, meaningful moment to reflect on courage and historical resistance right where Elser once lived. If you stay until evening, you can witness a powerful light tribute that brings the installation to life at the exact moment of the blast, offering an evocative visual experience.
What to see at 8. November 1939 (Denkmal)
- Designed by artist Silke Wagner using durable aluminium and glass.
- Circular layout uniquely arranged to visually represent an explosion.
- Honors anti-Nazi resistance fighter Johann Georg Elser and his 1939 bomb plot.
- Nightly illumination sequence glowing number by number at precisely 21:20.
- Located in Munich's Maxvorstadt district close to Elser's former room.
Visiting tips
Arrive a few minutes before 21:20 to see the monument light up step by step for one minute at the precise time of the historic detonation.
How long: 15-30 minutes · Best time: 21:15 (Evening)
How to get there & what’s nearby
8. November 1939 (Denkmal) is easy to reach on Munich’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Munich travel guide.
See the full Munich travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.