KUNSTLABOR 2: Munich's creative hotspot - opening hours, exhibitions and program

What is the KUNSTLABOR 2? What is there to see?

The KUNSTLABOR 2 ("art lab 2") has transformed the former "Gesundheitshaus" (health house) on Dachauer Straße in Munich into a new centre for art and culture. The number "2" was added to the name because there had already existed another Kunstlabor project in 2018. The faces behind Munich's largest interim cultural use are Stephanie and Christian Utz. The same couple, that has founded the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA) and brought artworks from Banksy and Keith Haring to Munich.

"We are a very large, colorful and multicultural super-community," says Stephanie Utz about KUNSTLABOR 2. Artists have transformed 60 rooms on two floors – the former rooms and offices of the health office – into unique spaces with creative installations. No style is repeated. Most of the rooms are open to visitors, some installations are even interactive. But that's not all: there is a large pop-up gallery and creative workshops for children, young people and adults are offered. 60 artists's studios and a "think tank" for freelance graphic designers, architects or social media agencies are located on the third floor.

KUNSTLABOR 2 is also a place for various events: concerts and readings take place, as well as performances and guided tours.

KUNSTLABOR 2: A place to experiment

Rather than a gallery, KUNSTLABOR 2 is a huge place to experiment. "We are always keen on making experiments and trying new things – but at our other location, the MUCA, space is very limited. That was usually the only reason, why we had to say "no" to some ideas: because of space issues. And here with 15,000 square meters we don't have this problem at all," says Stephanie Utz.

"No style is like the others," adds Boris Schmidt, who regularly offers guided tours at KUNSTLABOR 2. "We're open to everyone, just a big community that creates something together." The only permanent thing at KUNSTLABOR 2 is change.

The best way to lean more about the results of the project is to come bye and see for yourself.

Experience the art lab

• The walk-in art rooms: About 60 rooms have been designed by 60 different artists. Among them are well-known names, but also (still) unfamiliar newcomers. The designers come from Munich, Kyiv or New York City and their works were often influenced by what was left of the former health establishment: for example, there is an "Escape Room" that is pasted with green emergency exit symbols all over; in another room, an old cupboard was transformed into an art object.
• The Pop-up Gallery: This very large space shows temporary exhibitions by different artists.
• The large outdoor area: In spring and summer, the park around the lab is transformed into an artistic urban garden, and graffiti and street art workshops take place in the courtyard.
• The front walls on Dachauer Straße: There is always something new to see!

What's special about KUNSTLABOR 2?

Art is the opposite of boredom. Feel free to take your kids to KUNSTLABOR 2, from toddlers to bored teenagers. They'll love it – because in contrast to other museums and galleries, where you should not get too close to the artwork, you can really experience the installations here and often even touch them.

Taking pictures and posting them is not only allowed, but sometimes even part of the artwork, as with the mural in the image above. And, spoiler alert: In some rooms, you can become a part of the installation by playing the world's first computer game, trying miniature golf, or dare to climb onto an inclined platform.

Events, guided tours, workshops and children's program

On the weekends you can stroll through the huge KUNSTLABOR 2 on your own and discover the rooms. However, the colorful art with its many different styles is so inspiring, that you might want more! KUNSTLABOR 2 additionally offers:

• Guided tours: Art tours on weekends, themed tours for art lovers, family tours, children's tours – in German and English. Here you will get exciting background infos and insider stories that make the whole place even more special.
• For children and teenagers: Graffiti workshops, creative workshop and children's birthday parties
• Mixed events: Workshops, studio days, film festivals, concerts, readings, performances and much more

Restaurant and Café

The in-house restaurant "Amari" has a terrace for the outdoor season. It's also bright and friendly inside, serving cappuccino, lunch, and drinks in the evening – even during the week, by the way, when KUNSTLABOR 2 itself is closed.

Tickets

• Regular: 12 Euro
• Discounted: 8 Euro
• Children under 12 years: Free of charge

KUNSTLABOR 2 on social media

• On Instagram, Facebook and YouTube you can read news and catch a glimpse behind the scenes.

History of KUNSTLABOR 2

In spring 2019, the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA) applied for Munich's largest interim cultural use project – the former "Gesundheitshaus" (health house) on Dachauer Straße. With almost 10,000 square meter of space on six floors and a further 6,800 square meter of outdoor area, the former health building offers space for a variety of concepts. In a multi-stage selection process, the city of Munich chose MUCA as a competent and reliable partner. On October 16th, 2021, KUNSTLABOR 2 officially celebrated its opening.