Munich's cultural scene is so diverse

Munich's cultural landscape plays a big role in my life. Not only because I work at Rausgegangen and my job allows me to engage with the happenings of my city on a daily basis. My free time is also characterized by its diversity...

As a concert mouse, I prefer to dance in small club halls to the music of newcomers, with my best friends in my arms, then quickly grab a T-shirt from the merch stand and have a quick chat with the artists. As a bookworm, I always look forward to readings by exciting authors, get the first page signed and am absolutely certain that the person has scribbled a personal message ONLY TO ME.

As a little girl, my first cultural events were visits to the opera with my grandmother. And even if the Bavarian State Opera is very different from my other favorite places, I can still get something out of it today. Especially when I sit next to my grandma and her enthusiasm spills over onto me.

Because institutions such as the State Opera are so impressive on the outside, it may seem as if Munich is dominated by this stylish, upscale cultural world. But there are other sides to the city - you just have to look closely. These include small and large venues, world-famous artists and newcomers. It includes events that everyone knows about and events that are the perfect insider tip for you and your friends.

What does culture mean to you? Do you go to concerts all the time like me or do you spend your weekends at art exhibitions? Do you also enjoy listening to book presentations or are you drawn to the theater? We all have our very own points of contact with cultural events because the choice is so wonderfully diverse. From niche to high culture , it's all there. And if you still don't believe me, here are a few examples that show just that! 💜

Cozy concerts and demolition in large format

Two venues where I particularly like to enjoy concert evenings in small groups are the cozy Kult 9 with its informal atmosphere and the Milla Club with its underground charm. My tip: simply party with newcomers whose music you haven't heard before. You might discover the stars of tomorrow, a few new favorite songs and have a great evening in any case!

Venue

Kult 9

Club

Milla Club

However, well-known artists who are no longer newbies would go beyond the scope of these venues with their fan crowds. So it's a good thing that there are also venues with a little more space - such as the Muffathalle in the Muffatwerk or the Olympiahalle for the really big names with impressive shows and lighting effects.

Venue

Muffatwerk

Concert Hall

Olympiahalle München

Stylish reading and bookstore charm

If you fancy a reading, the Literaturhaus München is the place to be. The Literaturhaus has long been THE place to keep your finger on the pulse of the literary scene. Many star authors such as Benedict Wells present their books here - usually in the large hall, whose window front offers a great view of the city. And then there are the high ceilings, the old wooden floor and the library... The building on Salvatorplatz is literature through and through.

Gallery

Literaturhaus München

If you're looking for something a little more niche and cozy, you should definitely check out the program of Munich bookstores - many of them also host readings. For example, the Rauch & König bookstore not only hosts authors, it is also the perfect place for magazine readings or writing workshops. Another special tip is the Glitch Bookstore, a queer-feminist bookshop that regularly hosts exciting events in an intimate atmosphere.

Store

Rauch & König Buchladen

Other

glitch bookstore

The colorful spoken word scene

Creative writing and spoken word also combine wonderfully to create an art and event form that I personally love: poetry slams. Talented poets perform self-written texts in various styles and compete against each other. The poetry scene in and around Munich thrives on many different series of events. For example, the Queer Slam regularly invites great word artists from the queer scene to the Milla. Another slam with a special character is the Bahnwörter Slam. This takes place monthly at the alternative cultural center Bahnwärter Thiel - as an open stage where everyone can take part, including you!

Venue

Bahnwärter Thiel

Also part of the spoken word scene are reading stages in the classic sense. While the competition determines the dramaturgy of the evening at a poetry slam, at reading stages it is simply good entertainment. In addition to changing readings and spoken word contributions, from cabaret to poetry, there are usually also musical performances at these events. People listen, laugh, sway - and sometimes even sing along. At the Schwabinger Schaumschläger, for example, the regular audience has long since memorized the lyrics to the reading stage theme song and enjoys the living room vibes in the cosy Schwabing clubhouse every Sunday.

Bar

Vereinsheim

Traditional theater and experimental plays

And while we're on the subject of the spoken word, we can't forget the theater. In Maximilianstraße, theater fans can be inspired by the contemporary plays of the Münchner Kammerspiele and feel right at home in the beautiful interiors of the Schauspielhaus. Another top address is the Volkstheater, which has been attracting audiences with its varied program since the 1980s: from traditional to critical and modern.

Theater

Münchner Kammerspiele

Theater

Münchner Volkstheater

If you go to the Schwere Reiter, you will find a much smaller space, but you will be no less enchanted. As a performance and networking venue for dance, theater and music, it invites you to special performances from the independent scene. Several art forms also come together on stage in the cozy HochX Theater in der Au.

Theater

Schwere Reiter – Tanz Theater Musik

Theater

HochX Theater und Live Art

Exhibitions of all kinds

Touch without words? That's possible too! There are many places in Munich where you can take in exhibitions of all kinds. One well-known address, for example, is the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus and Kunstbau. This art museum is always worth a visit, not only because of the great collections from different eras, but also because of the beautiful, historic building.

Museum

Lenbachhaus und Kunstbau

Although it doesn't have its own collection, the somewhat smaller Deutsches Theatermuseum (German Theatre Museum ) impresses with changing special exhibitions on the history of theater - and therefore cultural history. It is located right next to Munich's Hofgarten, so after your visit to the museum you can take a nice walk in the fresh air, perhaps even as far as the English Garden.

Museum

Deutsches Theatermuseum

Do you like it even smaller and more personal? Our tip: great exhibitions are not only to be found in museums and exhibition venues. There are many locations in Munich that combine several art and cultural offerings and, in addition to their own stage programs, offer their premises as exhibition space for new artists. For example, check out...

Locations for everyone who can do everything

... the Glockenbachwerkstatt community center! All facets of Munich's cultural scene come together here: Concerts, theater, visual arts or poetry. The program at Heppel&Ettlich, the place for experimental culture away from the mainstream, is just as varied. From music to readings and films, there is something for everyone. Would you like something a little more political? The EineWeltHaus doesn't just live from cultural events of all kinds. As a meeting place for engagement, dialog, politics and culture, it creates spaces for discourse and intercultural or migration policy issues.

Venue

Bürgerhaus Glockenbachwerkstatt

Theater

Heppel & Ettlich

Venue

EineWelt Haus

Standing up for diversity with #münchenistkultur

But cultural diversity does not develop and remain on its own. It needs spaces, support and, above all, visibility. This is precisely what the Munich is Culture alliance is committed to. Various stakeholders from different disciplines and institutions have come together to take a stand against financial cuts and make it clear how essential art, music, theater, film, literature and socio-cultural offerings are for a vibrant city.

Their aim is to preserve diversity, enable cultural participation for all and make culture visible as an indispensable part of society. They network, raise awareness and demand political backing for what makes Munich vibrant. Because culture is not a luxury - it is identity, encounter and inspiration. In short, it is the heart of a city and an important cornerstone of democracy.

Do you love Munich's cultural life as much as I do? Your leisure time, your knowledge and your social participation are based on the cultural selection of your city and that's exactly what you want to protect? Then the Munich is Culture Alliance is the right place for you and your interests. Find out here how you can get involved:

Of course, you can also keep your finger on the pulse of Munich's cultural life with us. Every day we recommend the best events in your city. Three ways to discover cultural diversity every day:

1. get our Rausgegangen app - so you have all the editors' tips and the entire Munich cultural landscape at your fingertips anywhere and at any time!

2. create your free Rausgegangen account and put your favorites on the watch list, follow locations and subscribe to our weekly mail newsletter so that cool events fly into your mailbox!

3. follow us on Instagram and always be the first to know what's going on in our city!

Let's go out together and experience beautiful things! 💜