There is so much Spain in Munich: From Picasso street art to tiki taka

Spain visits Munich for the semi-final

Spain will face France in Munich's last European Championship match in 2024 in the soccer arena. In the arena, the Spaniards could continue the series of successful compatriots in Munich - in Munich's museums, cultural landscape and top-class sport. Because you can discover more Spanish influences and culture in the Bavarian capital than you might think.

Culture: Munich speaks, watches and dances Spanish

The Instituto Cervantes was founded in Munich in 1956, making it the first Spanish cultural institute in Germany. It is located above the silver chamber of the Residenz. This is no coincidence: the Wittelsbach family and the Spanish Bourbons have been closely related since the 19th century. The Instituto Cervantes organizes a programme in various areas of Spanish-language culture.

The Munich cinema Studio Isabella has also been showing films from Spain or Latin America in Spanish every Wednesday evening for years in its "Cine Español" series. In Maxvorstadt, you will even find a bookshop that is completely in Spanish with the Librería Española.

And of course there are also numerous dance schools in Munich where you can learn Andalusian flamenco, among other things.

Spanish art in Munich: From architecture to street art

The State Archaeological Collection in Munich opted for Spanish architecture for the extension of the museum: Spanish architecture firm Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos was responsible for the renovation and extension of the striking Corten steel building not far from the English Garden. The magnificently renovated state collection was officially opened in April 2024.

Over 20 paintings by Spanish masters such as Antonio del Castillo, Juan Pantoja de la Cruz and the Spanish artist of choice El Greco can be found in the Pinakothek museums. The Kunsthalle also exhibited works by Ignacio Zuloaga in the special exhibition "Myth of Spain" until the beginning of 2024.

But you can also marvel at Spanish art on the street in Munich: "Málaga loves Munich" is the name of a mural that was created in 2023 in cooperation with the Spanish tourist board Turespaña, local tourism authorities and the Munich art association "Real München" to mark the 50th anniversary of the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, who was born in Málaga. You can find it in Hebenstreitstraße in Untergiesing.

Speaking of Picasso: his personal collection left France for the first time ever in 1998. The destination for the special exhibition at the time: Munich, of course.

Spanish cuisine in Munich: Tapas also in demand in Bavaria

Tapas and soccer go together perfectly: On the one hand, sharing in good company is simply fun. On the other hand, the varied appetizers are the perfect accompaniment to watching soccer. There is a huge selection of tapas restaurants and bars in Munich.

Personalities in Munich: Spanish star power from Pep to Ibaka

Spanish precision has characterized FC Bayern Munich in recent years: First and foremost coach Pep Guardiola, who brought tiki-taka soccer to Munich from 2013 to 2016 and whose Bundesliga scoring average of 2.52 points per game is a record.

But Spaniards have also made Munich soccer fans' hearts beat faster on the pitch: be it defensive all-rounder Javi Martinez, 2013 Champions League winner with Bayern, ball wizard Thiago or conductor Xabi Alonso. And Juan Bernat is Munich folklore, at the latest after a memorable press conference by Uli Hoeneß. Youngster Bryan Zaragoza is also a Spanish player in the current Bayern squad.

FC Bayern Basketball 2023 snapped up a former NBA star from Spain: Serge Ibaka won the NBA title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and Olympic silver with Spain in 2012. He came to Munich last year and became German champion and cup winner in 2024.

Spain at the European Championships: a new record beckons

The Spanish team lived up to its role as one of the favorites at the European Championships from the outset: after victories in the group stage against Croatia and defending champions Italy, among others, the Iberians gave Georgia no chance in the round of 16. In the semi-finals, Spain then defeated hosts Germany with a decisive goal from Mikel Merino in the 119th minute.

Alongside midfielder Rodri, Spain's young wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal shone in particular at this European Championship. The 16-year-old Yamal in particular has caused a sensation with three assists in the tournament so far.

The team of national coach Luis de la Fuente has the chance to bring the fourth European Championship title to Spain after 1964, 2008 and 2012, making the country the sole record European champions. Spain also became world champions in 2010.