This year, Munich shopping centers will don electronic and neon art.
Jetson's Christmas Traditionalists will let out a boo or two come November, when the city’s usual hanging Santas and green garland stars do not appear for the holiday season. In celebration of the new millennium, planners have decided to ditch the kitsch, instead decorating Munich’s central shopping area — from Stachus to Marienplatz and the Residenz to Tal — with the sleek works of neon artists. Keith Sonnier, who provided the airport with its cheery glow, will join controversial sign maker Jenny Holzer, whose moral lessons in LED format either thrill or chill audiences, and four other artists in decking Munich’s halls. The display, entitled München im Kunstlicht (Munich in Artificial Light,) will remain on view through February 2000. While organizers have convinced most store owners to join in the city’s recent fascination with fluorescent tubes and neon commentary, some refused — you just may see Nikolaus yet.