The development of the cultural center at Offenbachstraße 2c has been a topic of debate in the Pasing-Obermenzing district for several years. Now, preparations for the start of construction have entered a decisive phase.
Construction Permit Issued Regardless of Price Hike
The local building commission issued the construction permit in early 2025, and the city council subsequently backed the project. There is a high probability that work will commence in 2026. According to the schedule, with a construction period exceeding one year, the building should be operational by late 2027. Frieder Vogelsgesang (CSU), chairman of the local district committee, expressed confidence in the project’s success, noting that a jury has already been formed within the Department of Arts and Culture to select names for the interior spaces. In the future, the building—named Kulturhaus 21—will serve as a venue for a wide range of creative sectors.
The project’s history dates back nearly a decade to 2016. Initially, plans involved integrating the institution into a former freight warehouse. However, despite numerous protests, the 1930s railway structure was demolished. Renovation was deemed too expensive at the time, leading the majority of the city council to favor a new building.
18 Million Euro Investment for Pasing’s New Cultural Hub
In 2021, the new building project was approved with a budget of approximately 11.5 million euros. However, construction did not begin in 2021 or 2023, even though the city council reaffirmed its consent. This time, the situation is expected to change, even with Munich’s strained budget. The cultural center is included in the multi-year investment program for 2024–2028 with execution costs totaling nearly 18 million euros.
The municipal housing company Münchner Wohnen will oversee the implementation of Kulturhaus 21. According to city officials, no significant changes have been made to the layout since 2023. The architectural firm Meck Architekten won the design competition. Their proposal features a “sculptural body” intended to look as if it were carved from a single stone. Those seeking a reference for this abstract style can view the Church of Blessed Rupert Mayer in Poing, designed by the same firm.
Industrial Heritage Reflected in Architectural Design
The site’s history as a former freight yard will be reflected in its architecture. A planned brick facade and a saw-tooth roof rising to the south are designed to reinterpret the aesthetic of the old industrial zone for the modern era. Additionally, the brickwork references iconic Munich public buildings, such as the Frauenkirche.
Management of the center will be handled by Pasinger Fabrik. This will provide desperately needed additional space for cultural events, as renovations at the main Pasinger Fabrik building are currently not feasible.
Cautious Optimism from District Leadership
After a long series of discussions, a degree of caution remains within the district regarding whether work will truly begin next year. However, all current signs point toward a start date in 2026. Frieder Vogelsgesang remarked that he “would like to assume” that 2026 will finally be the long-awaited moment for cultural enthusiasts in Pasing and Obermenzing.Source: tz
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