Former Mayor Christian Ude, who has been advocating for the rebuilding project since the fire, presented the next concrete steps over the Easter weekend.
Munich – In a symbolic gesture fitting for Easter Monday, which represents rebirth and renewal, positive news emerged regarding the charred Friedenskirche in Olympiapark. According to former Mayor Christian Ude, the reconstruction of the iconic peace church could begin as early as summer 2025. Speaking at a benefit concert held in the garden of the church grounds, Ude said that the goal was to start construction before the political summer recess.
City Council Gives Green Light for Rebuilding Effort
Just days prior, the Munich City Council had unanimously approved the reconstruction plans. The project will be carried out by the Ost-West-Friedenskirche association, which will be renamed to include the addition “Friedensgarten” (Peace Garden), marking the start of the official implementation phase.
Digital Preservation Enables Accurate Reconstruction
A fortunate development for the restoration efforts came from a scientific documentation project conducted by the University of Bamberg a year before the fire. As part of a doctoral dissertation, researchers had digitally scanned the entire church. The original aim was to study an illegally built and structurally unstable building — one that turned out to be ideal for academic research due to its irregular architecture.
These precise 3D scans now allow for an almost identical reconstruction, a requirement necessary for planning approval. Ude highlighted this fortunate coincidence as a rare and crucial asset for the project.
Unexpected Discovery Beneath the Ruins
Adding an unexpected twist to the rebuilding story, a suitcase containing a significant amount of cash was found in the rubble. Ude reported that the money is currently being cleaned in a private garage and will later be ironed between bed sheets to restore its usability. The total value of the recovered banknotes is estimated to be several thousand euros.
Funding Strategy Relies on Donations and Insurance
So far, the association has received approximately €66,000 from fire insurance. However, the total project cost is expected to reach a six-figure sum. To cover the remaining expenses, the organization intends to launch a fundraising campaign. An application for charitable status has been submitted to the tax office, and approval is anticipated by the end of April or early May.
A Space for Culture and Community Engagement
Beyond restoring the church, the project envisions creating a space for cultural and social encounters, free from religious affiliation. The garden will serve as a venue for events designed to bring people together and reflect the vision of the church’s original builder, Timofej, who dedicated it to peace and unity.
Preparatory Work by the City and Support from Young Craftsmen
Before the new construction can begin, the City of Munich, as the property owner, must install a new foundation — a task outside the association’s responsibility. A construction firm has offered to assist with project planning and material acquisition. The actual building work will be carried out by apprentice carpenters from the local guild, providing a valuable learning opportunity for young tradespeople while contributing to the community’s cultural heritage.
With foundational preparations underway and community support growing, the symbolic resurrection of the Friedenskirche is closer to becoming a reality.
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