“Building bridges” – Munich celebrates its 850th birthday

In 2008, Munich will be hosting a great summer of festivals: the Bavarian capital will be turning 850 and this will be celebrated extensively. For a European city, 850 years is not really very old. What is astonishing, however, is that the town was able to evolve from a monastery to an attractive hub of culture and high-tech of European proportions. Over time, Munich has maintained its flair as a city with much joie de vivre, and it has consistently been open to the avant-garde and progress. 

The motto of the birthday is “Building bridges” and it aims to connect the founding of the city with today’s lively, colorful and yet tradition-oriented urban culture. Munich’s foundation goes back to Henry the Lion, who, in 1158, destroyed the Isar bridge on the old salt road, which lay somewhat to the north at the time. He then built a new bridge near “Munichen.” The city received market and minting rights in this context, which set the cornerstone for undreamt of growth into a city of over a million inhabitants. 

Munich likes to celebrate. For its 850th birthday, it will enjoy three major events: 

June 14-15, 2008 City foundation festival: 
The cultural program of this annual citizen’s festival in the inner city will be expanded to suit the occasion.
July 19-20, 2008 Old Town Ring Road festival: 
A theatrical, musical and playful journey in time on the Old Town Ring Road 
August 1-3, 2008 Isar Bridge festival:
A romantic festival on the bridge with a light installation, music under the bridge, dancing on the riverbanks, reflections on the water. 

Throughout the summer, especially on weekends, visitors can enjoy theater, cabaret, concerts, exhibitions, lectures, tours, information markets and lots more in the city’s various districts. The events will be created and presented by a wide range of associations, initiatives, institution and artists.

• Further information about the 850th birthday (in german)