November 2005
Tuned In
Gasteig marks its 20th anniversary with a new look--and various special events
Towering imposingly above the Isar, its red brick facade casts an almost intimidating glare over the city below. Although Gasteig may not be the prettiest piece in town, whatever it lacks aesthetically, it makes up for in its role as Munich’s cultural pulse—pumping artistry throughout the veins of the city. This month, as the venue celebrates its 20th anniversary, we take a look at what’s being done to highlight the true face of Gasteig.
For a relatively large chunk of its short existence, Gasteig has been concerned with revamping itself to combat its somewhat uninviting image. Covering an area of 23,000 sq. m, the building and its architectural style have been a topic of discussion since its grand opening on November 10, 1985. For some, the venue’s emergence as a hub for artistic expression wasn’t enough to counteract its cold outward appearance. The warm, expressive spirit within its walls and the fortress-like exterior seemed to be irreconcilable.
Not entirely taken by the building’s design, the public made it clear in a survey carried out in 1999 that they wanted a friendlier, more welcoming environment. Thus, to cater to its visitors and compete with Germany’s other cultural centers, plans to give Gasteig a makeover were implemented in 2002. A couple of remodelings and renovations later, Gasteig had lighter foyers, wider hallways and a warmer atmosphere. Catering facilities were brought into the 21st century, with the introduction of slick bars offering funky canapés and mini desserts during intervals, and the stale staff cafeteria was transformed into gast, a chic, sleek canteen-style restaurant open to the public.
But it’s not just with its looks that Gasteig aims to be universally appealing. Home to some of Munich’s most precious gems—Munich Philharmonic, the city library (Stadtbibliothek) and the Adult Education Center (Volkshochschule)—the venue does not discriminate. With close to 6,000 visitors daily, it welcomes all in the name of creativity and enrichment, be it lovers of classical music relishing the sweet sounds of a concert, movie buffs enjoying the offerings of the annual Munich Film Fest, students learning how to sew or speak French, or those just looking to curl up with a good book. Aside from concerts, there are the more alternative offerings in the Black Box Theater, events for children and a series celebrating contemporary music, Klang Aktionen. At the upcoming Gasteig Glows (November 11–December 2), artist Götz Lemberg will commemorate Gasteig’s 20th anniversary by turning the building’s facade into a light sculpture in an attempt to mirror the interior feeling on the exterior. During the event light images will be projected on to 5,000 sq. m of the building, visually distorting the bricks. “For the anniversary, we’re offering a new perspective of the building,” says Brigitte v. Welser, Gasteig’s Managing Director. “It’s symbolic of both the variety of cultural events offered here, and the open atmosphere created by our guests.”
“When I first considered the project, my thoughts were ‘Where do I start?’” says Lemberg. “The building is so colossal—a fortress that seems only relevant to itself. The challenge was to make it more flexible and alive, working with the physical structure, rather than covering it.” As well as Lemberg’s contribution, the birthday celebrations will include a series of other special events, such as a poetry slam, a Harry Potter film screening, a jazz session for kids, dance shows and much, much more. In fact, for anyone who thought Gasteig was “just a highbrow concert hall,” you are about to see the place in a whole new light—literally.
