The listed Reithalle building has been home to a new concept – Utopia – since November 2019. Lots of different ideas from the worlds of art and culture are being brought to life in this large space.
There is one thing that many Munich locals and visitors agree on when it comes to what makes the city so special: the combination of tradition and modernity and the connection between the old and the new. And the people behind Utopia – Michi Kern, Elisabeth Kieser and Gregor Wöltje – have managed to achieve just that with this project. All three are deeply rooted in Munich’s cultural and food scenes and love to challenge themselves – Utopia is their latest concept.
The listed Reithalle building was built back in 1894 for the 2nd Bavarian Infantry Regiment “Kronprinz” and was used as a drill hall. It was restored just less than 100 years later and has been used on and off as a venue ever since.
In November 2019, a “Happening Place” was created in the Reithalle to host concerts, festivals, exhibitions, theatre and readings, as well as for seminars, training sessions and corporate events. The historical ambience is combined with the latest technology and an impressive, varied programme that even includes a partnership with the Bayerische Staatsoper (opera).
The hall provides plenty of room to think big. The 1,200 square metre venue is a fantastic space in which to develop ideas. The venue’s equipment has been refurbished in line with the latest technology. The live events such as performances and concerts see art and commerce, pop and politics melt into one – as such, it is not just high culture, but sub-cultures and company cultures that are also given a platform here.
Social and ecological issues are not ignored either; it is, for example, a meat-free zone to guarantee a sustainable overall concept. Although work is on-going, there are already some highlights in the diary for 2020, which really bring the diversity of Utopia into focus: a dance platform, an urban night market and the opera festival – to name but a few. And one other thing is guaranteed: Utopia can continue to develop for the next 17 years – so the interesting times are set to continue for a long time yet.
