Café at Gasteig - the cultural centre in Munich.

Fat Cat

The Cat's Out of the Bag!

During the renovation of the Gasteig cultural centre, the aim was to avoid vacancies. This gave rise to the Fat Cat, an interim use project, dedicated to the city's cultural diversity. There's a concert hall, the Blackbox and the Lucky Punch Comedy Club.

In the former rooms of the Gasteig, once the largest cultural centre in Europe, a fat cat has secretly and quietly taken up residence, making a bold and cryptic announcement on the homepage: “I am Fat Cat and I decide all!” While this statement seemed aggressive at first, its goal is now clear: to showcase Munich's diverse cultural scene and prevent empty spaces during the Gasteig's renovation. Until completion, over 100 artists have found a temporary home in these rooms, enriching not just the district, but the entire city with their cultural programme.

The Concert Hall and Blackbox host immersive exhibitions, parties with DJs and concerts. In the Lucky Punch Comedy Club, various stand-up formats are presented from Monday to Friday, including one aimed at English-speaking comedians (and aspiring ones). In total, well over 50 events take place in this vast interim use each month, showcasing diversity and inclusion: From knitting fairs, ballett and classical music, to dance festivals, workshops and panels – there is something for every taste.

Speaking of taste: On the roof, the Kulturdachgarten not only offers food and drinks in summer, but also boasts probably the most beautiful view over Munich and the Alps. The inner courtyard serves as a platform for Munich restaurateurs to present their culinary concepts. The space thus offers more than just a slumbering cat; it holds plenty of potential: The operators of the non-profit limited company summarise their project as "creative, diverse, colourful and open to debate between the young and the experienced, creative and cultural minds and the neighbourhood of Haidhausen”.

 

 

Photo: Sigi Müller
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