If you want to experience Munich from its creative side, you should pay a visit to the Gasteig HP8. The cultural centre in Sendling boasts modern architecture, a varied programme and plenty of urban charm - an exciting place for anyone who loves music, art and encounters.
- The event halls
- The Isarphilharmonie
- The Munich Philharmonic
In the middle of Sendling, an insider tip among Munich's neighbourhoods, the Gasteig HP8 has found a temporary home in 2021 - and it's something to be proud of, because nothing sounds temporary here. While the main building on Rosenheimer Platz is being renovated, cultural life is now pulsating in Hall E and the impressive Isar Philharmonic Hall, located directly on the Isar. The mixture of modern architecture, urban flair and top-class programme makes the new location a popular meeting place for music, literature and culture lovers.
The Gasteig HP8 offers several modern event halls - including the Isarphilharmonie, Hall E, Hall X, Projector, Small Hall and Rehearsal Hall - and can accommodate up to 2,500 visitors in total. Whether a large symphony concert in the Philharmonie, a lecture in the Projektor or an intimate reading in the Kleiner Saal - there is a suitable setting for every occasion.
The main venue is the listed Hall E, once a transformer hall dating back to 1926. Today, the historic brick building shines with its many windows and industrial flair. The whole thing is combined with cosy restaurants and library areas where you can spend as long as you like. During the day, the GAiA reading café invites you to linger, while in the evening the hall is transformed into a place where exhibitions, parties and (participatory) concerts can take place.
The Isarphilharmonie is located in a small industrial park in the Munich district of Sendling, and is part of the Gasteig HP8 (Hans-Preissinger-Strasse 8) cultural centre. All the institutions of the Gasteig cultural centre in Haidhausen, including its philharmonic orchestra, are being temporarily housed at this site close to the Isar river. As well as the Münchner Philharmoniker audiences at this unconventional venue can also enjoy concerts featuring a host of internationally renowned orchestras and musicians.
The Isarphilharmonie is a pop-up building with a steel exterior and an interior made from prefabricated wooden elements. The stalls and the first- and second-floor tiers and balconies can seat up to 1900 people in total. The concert hall forms an architecturally attractive connection to the historic brick building it adjoins, while the almost-square concert hall is subtle and practical in design: the walls and seating are dark grey, and only the light-coloured wooden floor of the stage stands out. This means that all attention is focused on the action on stage.
The Isarphilharmonie was designed by architect firm von Gerkan, Marg und Partner, with Yasuhisa Toyota and his company Nagata Acoustics tasked with taking care of the acoustics. The sound experts drew on experience they gained in previous projects such as the Elbphilharmonie, the Philharmonie de Paris and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
The neighbouring Hall E in the brick building, which is listed, serves as the foyer for the philharmonic orchestra’s temporary home. Built in the 1920s, this was once a transformer hall and has been deliberately left untouched to showcase its raw, industrial charm. During concert intervals, visitors can enjoy a glass of fizz and admire the loading crane that still stands here under the historic glass roof.
In October 2021, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra opened its new home and venue, the Isarphilharmonie, while its original home in Haidhausen, the Gasteig from 1985 with the Philharmonie, is being renovated. Since then, the city's orchestra's motto has been to be approachable and break new ground. In addition to the major concerts in the Isarphilharmonie, it creates incentives for a curious audience with new, regular formats such as ‘MPhil late’.
The Munich Philharmonic Orchestra performs these late concerts in a relaxed atmosphere in Hall E, the foyer of the Isarphilharmonie, rather than in tails on the main stage. Members of the ensemble perform here together with high-calibre guests - from folk music and jazz to tango and swing. For the ‘Wandelkonzerte’, the ‘Philis’ even leave their concert hall and open up a special Munich neighbourhood to music lovers. Over the course of an evening, musicians from the orchestra perform in unusual places such as shops, pubs, churches and workshops.
The orchestra has been a defining force in Munich's musical life since 1893. In its early years, it performed under the name Kaim Orchestra, named after its founder Franz Kaim, the son of a piano manufacturer. Within a very short time, the orchestra achieved a high musical standard. Just eight years after its founding, and again in 1910, Gustav Mahler chose the orchestra to premiere his 4th and 8th symphonies, conducting them himself. From 1908 onwards, Ferdinand Löwe, as principal conductor, established the orchestra's great Bruckner tradition with numerous world premieres. During the period under General Music Director Siegmund von Hausegger (1920-1938), the orchestra was given its current name.
The years between 1979 and 1996, when Sergiu Celibidache was General Music Director, remain unforgettable. His legendary Bruckner concerts at home and abroad contributed significantly to the orchestra's international reputation. A whole series of renowned conductors followed Celibidache and ensured further moments of glory for the orchestra: James Levine (1999-2004), Christian Thielemann (2004-2022), Lorin Maazel (2012-2014) and Valery Gergiev (2015-2022). As honorary conductor of the orchestra, Zubin Mehta has been giving concerts with the Munich Philharmonic since 2004.
In February 2023, the Munich Philharmonic appointed Lahav Shani as its new chief conductor. He will take up his post in September 2026, but will already be conducting various programmes in Munich and on tour in the coming seasons.
By the way: if you would like to explore the Gasteig HP8, you can do so conveniently online: a virtual 360° tour offers exciting insights into Hall E and the Isar Philharmonic Hall.
Information, program & tickets on the Isarphilharmonie website.
