On Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the City of Munich invites the public to discover answers to these questions during its annual Open House Day—a rare opportunity for citizens to step inside government buildings and learn how the city works from the inside out.
Opening Ceremony and Leadership Meet-and-Greet
The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with a live brass fanfare performed from the City Hall balcony. Immediately afterward, Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter will open his office to the public until 12 p.m. Deputy Mayors Dominik Krause and Verena Dietl will also be available for direct conversations until midday. Members of the city council will be present as well, ready to engage in discussions about public finances, mobility, healthcare, and retirement planning. Citizens can also participate in the “MunichBudget” initiative by submitting their own proposals during scheduled sessions at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
Historic Treasures and Music at City Hall
Among the day’s highlights is the stunning Juridical Library with its grand reading room. The historic office of the city treasurer will be open for visits until 2 p.m., and guests can also view Munich’s famous Golden Book. Guided tours through the City Council’s Grand Chamber will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., while musical performances will take place in the Small Chamber between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the City Hall balcony, accessible until 2 p.m.
Vibrant Activities on Marienplatz
Outdoors on Marienplatz, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra will entertain the crowd. A mobile library bus will offer insights into the city’s literature programs. Hands-on activities for children and adults include arts and crafts, games, and movement stations. Cyclists can take advantage of a free bike check. Munich’s police department will also be present with historical and modern vehicles on display. Additional tours will be offered in the Old Town Hall’s historic ceremonial hall.
Exclusive Tours Already Fully Booked
Some of the day’s most sought-after tours—such as those through the city’s sewer system, the municipal depot at Görzer Street 38, or the U5 subway construction site in Pasing—are already fully booked. Tech and architecture enthusiasts will also miss out on guided visits to the Nordbad and Olympic swimming hall, as those slots are filled as well.
A similar situation can be found in many museums offering guided tours. Nevertheless, venues like the Lenbachhaus and its annex (Kunstbau) on Luisenstraße 33, as well as the Jewish Museum at St.-Jakobs-Platz 16, are offering free admission. The Jewish Museum will also host a children’s workshop at 11 a.m., though advance registration is required.
Architecture and Innovation Without Pre-Registration
No advance booking is needed for tours of the Technical City Hall on Friedenstraße 40, which include an elevator ride to the viewing tower. Walk-throughs of the newly built Wilhelm-Hausenstein-Gymnasium on Fideliostraße 145 will also be available, showcasing impressive modern architecture.
Digital Services and Urban Planning in Focus
At the city’s IT center on Agnes-Pockels-Bogen 33, visitors can explore Munich’s approach to digital governance between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The District Administration Office will remain open until 4 p.m., offering insights into services for visually impaired workers and the latest in accessible workplace solutions.
The local building commission will welcome visitors at its Blumenstraße 19 office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes tours of the Department of Arts and Culture’s logistics center at Maria-Probst-Straße 47 will take place at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., offering views of workshops for electrical work, carpentry, locksmithing, and textile processing.
Live Firefighting Demonstrations Across the City
Several fire stations will participate in the event with demonstrations and exhibits from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Firehouses in Sendling (Aidenbachstraße 7), Schwabing (Heßstraße 120), Pasing (Bassermannstraße 10), and Neuperlach (Heidestraße 3) will offer tours, emergency drills, and vehicle displays. The main fire station at Unterer Anger 9 will also feature a fire service exhibition documenting the evolution and history of Munich’s firefighting operations.
Plan Your Visit
A full, up-to-date program of Munich’s Open House Day is available on the official website of the City of Munich. Whether you’re curious about local governance, passionate about public services, or simply looking for a family-friendly day out, the event promises engaging experiences for all.
Latest Posts
