Temporary uses are a creative way of putting temporarily vacant buildings to various uses. In Munich, there are regularly exciting events for anyone who wants to discover the city’s dynamic and creative side. A constantly updated overview.
Vacant buildings offer opportunities for imaginative projects looking for a suitable space. Interim uses play a vital role in subculture, because they complement high culture. They usually offer low-threshold access and juggle their art between politics and pop culture – Munich has a few of them.
FLUX catches the eye from afar with its colourful, patterned little huts and distinctive architecture. At first glance, it looks like a cardboard film set – but one that’s great fun! Here you can hang out without feeling pressured to buy anything. There are seating areas, rooftop terraces and cosy corners. The experimental project next to the Pinakothek der Moderne is intended to be a place for everyone – open, free and welcoming.
FLUX officially opened back in summer 2025, but it has been constantly evolving ever since: the stage hosts readings, performances and concerts, there are plenty of workshops, and a number of Munich-based restaurateurs have set up shop here. In winter, the Paloma Bar served what was probably the cheapest mulled wine in town, and this spring a ramen shop is opening its doors. Coffee and cake are available at the Café Münchner Freiheit branch, while burgers and tacos can be found at The Original’s food truck. From the end of April 2026, there will even be an indoor area located in the Pinakothek’s conservatory, meaning that FLUX can be visited whatever the weather. The interior has been designed as a treehouse by the British artist Morag Myerscough. It is the largest walk-in installation ever created at the Pinakothek der Moderne. I
The project is backed by the Pinakothek der Moderne, so it’s no coincidence that this colourful temporary installation is situated on the south side of the museum. Myerscough was says about the project: “FLUX is a place full of colour where you can let your imagination run wild. A place that fills your heart with joy and offers endless possibilities.” The project is temporary, with an initial plan of five years!
Fortunately, Import Export has been around for so long that it's easy to forget that it's an interim use. Solidarity is not only emphasised on their homepage, but also lived on site. The multi-sponsored live venue is a place where art and music can be experienced across genres and styles – and don't be surprised if the majority of the audience speaks English.
Activities are not limited to the evening. During the day, an international team prepares vegan dishes at an affordable price. The space can also be used for socialising and working, WiFi included. Import Export, by the way, is located in the exciting Kreativquartier area, which not only houses studios and offices, but also regularly hosts events.
In the former spaces of the Gasteig, once the largest cultural centre in Europe, a fat cat has secretly and quietly taken up residence, boldly proclaiming on the website: “I've got everything under control here!“ Despite the assertive tone, this is more of a statement to emphasise the diverse cultural scene: More than 100 artists are at home here and organise events in the concert hall and in the black box, as well as parties with DJs. There is also a comedy club where three different formats are performed from Monday to Friday, including one in English.
On the roof, the Kulturdachgarten not only offers food and drinks in summer, but also what is perhaps the most beautiful view over Munich and the Alps. The inner courtyard is a stage for Munich restaurateurs to showcase their culinary concepts. In addition to the dormant cat, the space has plenty of potential: The operators describe it as “creative, diverse, colourful and open to debate between the young and the experienced, artists and the neighbourhood of Haidhausen.“
What can you do on almost 10,000 square metres on six floors? Quite a lot! Especially when you add 6800 square metres of outdoor space. Since 2020, the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA) has been operating the city's largest interim-use project to date – the Kunstlabor 2 in the former health centre in the heart of Maxvorstadt.
In addition to a fringe programme, guided tours of current exhibitions and graffiti workshops are offered, and there are even small hip-hop festivals. To ensure that the whole family can experience this interactive world of art, there are also events tailored to children and a creative workshop. Nobody will be bored here!
Making the station district more attractive – that is the mission of the team behind the new “Buchberg” project on Karl-Stützel-Platz. Among the operators are Florian Schönhofer, who has been running the popular Café Kosmos next door for many years, and David Boppert, who is responsible for events such as the Lange Nacht der Musik. The pop-up beer garden is set to open in May 2026 and will remain in place for four years. The dining project will also be open in winter, though guests will be seated outdoors all year round. The plan is for a two-storey structure made from a disused ski lift: on the ground floor, only non-alcoholic drinks will be served; on the first floor, which can be reached via a staircase, alcohol will be permitted. Drinks are available here at low prices – a 0.3-litre beer is set to cost €2.40, a spritzer around €4. In addition to beer and wine, coffee is also served, as the “Buchberg” is open daily from 12 noon to 11 pm.
