For tourists like 25-year-old American Shawn Graham, the closure comes as a disappointment. Visiting Munich as part of a European tour, he had hoped to view the city from the tower’s observation deck. Instead, a large sign informs him in both German and English that the structure is currently being updated for the future and cannot be accessed. Since its inauguration in 1968, the tower has welcomed roughly 45 million visitors. It has been shut since June 2023.
Restoration of the Olympic Tower and Stadium Well Underway
The tower’s closure is part of a broader renovation project across the Olympic Park, originally built for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Upgrades became necessary after over five decades of continuous use. While other areas of the park remain accessible, the adjacent Olympic Stadium is also undergoing extensive refurbishment.
Initial modernization began ahead of the European Championships in 2022, including updates to floodlighting and restrooms. Since fall 2023, work has focused on the stadium’s roof and external areas, even as events have continued. However, beginning in September 2025, the stadium will close entirely for renovation.
Stadium Reopening Delayed to 2028 Due to Structural Issues
Originally scheduled to reopen in 2027, the Olympic Stadium’s restoration is now expected to take until summer 2028 due to unforeseen structural deterioration and the discovery of asbestos. According to the Munich public utility company SWM, which oversees the park, the project’s cost has risen to approximately €194 million.
Despite the construction, visitors can still experience the stadium through guided roof tours and activities like the “Flying Fox” zipline. Entry to walk around the stadium is available for €3.50. The site has hosted legendary events — from Franz Beckenbauer’s football matches to papal masses and concerts by global stars like Robbie Williams. Williams is scheduled to perform one final concert at the stadium in late July before it closes.
To keep Munich on the international concert map, performances will temporarily shift to the Allianz Arena during the stadium’s closure.
Temporary Viewing Tower to Replace Closed Olympic Tower
In place of the closed Olympic Tower, a temporary solution is in development. The Olympic Park GmbH is planning to install a 70-meter-high mobile observation tower featuring gondolas, similar to the “Sky Lift” making its debut at this year’s Oktoberfest. Pending final approval, the temporary tower could open as early as this summer, located near the ice stadium.
Although significantly shorter than the 291-meter Olympic Tower, the structure would offer a viable alternative during the two-year closure. The €60 million renovation of the original tower focuses on modernizing interior technology, particularly the elevators that bring visitors to the observation platform 190 meters above ground.
Olympic Park Poised for UNESCO Status and Future Olympic Bid
The ongoing renovations are part of a broader revitalization strategy for the park. The swimming hall was completely renovated in 2019, followed by the extensive 13-year overhaul of the Olympic Hall. Next in line is the park’s iconic tented roof, with restoration scheduled to begin in 2026. According to the SWM, the roof work will not significantly affect public access.
Alongside these physical upgrades, the city has ambitious goals for the park’s future. Since December 2023, the Olympic Park has been on Germany’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Additionally, Munich is actively considering a bid to host the Summer Olympics once again. The city council has commissioned a detailed proposal, with a vote expected by the end of May. Should the proposal be approved, a public referendum could follow this year. Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) supports the initiative, envisioning a bid for the 2040 or 2044 Games.
The combined efforts aim not only to preserve the park’s architectural and historical legacy but also to secure its place on the global stage for decades to come.
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