MUNICH’S ATTRACTIONS run the gamut from earthy, traditional celebrations such as the Dults (outdoor flea markets) and Starkbierzeit (strong beer festival) to highly cultured musical performances and avant-garde art exhibits—only a few of which are listed below. Along with other German cities, Munich supports a vigorous theatrical tradition, and the city’s Olympic Park provides numerous venues for international sports competitions and concerts.

If you call any of the telephone numbers listed below from outside Germany, you must first dial your country’s international access code, then Germany’s country code, 49, followed by Munich’s city code, 89.

Additional information may be secured from these German National Tourist Offices: in London, phone 44-891-600-100, fax 44-171-495-6129; in New York, phone 212-661-7200, fax 212-661-7174; in Sydney, phone 61-2-9267-8148, fax 61-2-9267-9035; and in Toronto, phone 416-968-1570, fax 416-968-1986.

February 1998

1 Feb—Art Exhibit. Last day to see “The Lion’s Paw: Rubens Sketches from St. Petersburg and Munich.” Neue Pinakothek, Barer Strasse 29, phone 2380-5195.

1 Feb—Art Exhibit. Last day to see works by German painter Christian Schad. Stadtische Galerie in the Lenbachhaus, Luisenstrasse 33, phone 233-0320.

1 Feb—Concert. Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter performs works by Beethoven. 8 pm. Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

1-8 Feb—Exhibit. The Stuck villa celebrates its 100th birthday, and Robert Wilson sets the stage for the festivities. With the aid of lighting and sound, the subjects of paintings and photos will be transformed into three-dimensional figures. Museum Villa Stuck, Prinzregentenstrasse 60, phone 4555-5125.

1, 3-8 Feb—Holiday on Ice. Olympiahalle in Olympiapark. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181.

1-15 Feb—Photographic Exhibit. Florence and Tuscany photographed 1840-1900. Schack Galerie, Prinzregentenstrasse 9, phone 2380-5224.

1-24 Feb—Fasching. Continuation of carnival season, with its masked parties and balls. The Schaffler (coopers) guild performs its ancient traditional dance this year (it takes place once every seven years). In the streets and beer halls of the Old Town. Check the Monatsprogramm (a yellow monthly calendar available at most newsstands) for other Fasching events or call 233-0300.

2 Feb—Concert. Cecilia Bartoli, soprano, performs works by Mozart. 8 pm. Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

5, 6 Feb—Concerts. The Symphonic Orchestra of Bavarian Broadcasting performs works by Britten and Debussy. Herkulessaal in the Residenz. For information and tickets, phone 936-093 or fax 930-6494.

6-28 Feb—Art Exhibit. “The Journey Into the Unknown,” works by Bocklin, De Chirico and Ernst. Continues through 3 May. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

8 Feb—Brecht Celebration. International stars gather to salute the 100th anniversary of Bertolt Brecht’s birth (two days early). Bayerisches Staatsschauspiel, Max Joseph Platz, phone 218-501.

14-22 Feb—Opening of the International Congress Center. A nine-day cultural program with theater, dance, music, literature, visual art and fashion will welcome the general public to the new convention center at the former Riem airport. For more information, call Messe Munchen at 51070.

18 Feb—Rock Concert. Green Day performs at 8 pm on the Babylon Stage, Kunstpark Ost, Grafingerstrasse 6. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181.

18, 19 Feb—Fasching Concerts. The Munich Symphony performs in the Herkulessaal and Prinzregententheater of the Residenz. For information and tickets, phone 936-093, fax 930-6494.

23 Feb—Rosenmontag (Monday before Lent). Pre-Lenten festivities heat up in the pedestrian zone in the city center. A costume ball kicks off at 8 pm at Deutsches Theater, Schwanthalerstrasse 13, phone 5523-4355.

24 Feb—Faschingsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday). This day, a public holiday, concludes the Fasching season. The frenzied activities begin with the Market Women’s Dance at Viktualienmarkt (near Marienplatz). By midafternoon the city center is jam packed, with confetti and beer in abundance.

Throughout February—Art Exhibition. “The Age of Pre-Raphaelite Symbolism in Great Britain, 1860-1910.” Continues through 26 Apr. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

Throughout February—Exhibition. The Bavarian National Museum displays its new acquisitions and gifts. Continues through 7 Jun. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Prinzregentenstrasse 3, phone 211-241.

Throughout February—Porcelain Exhibit. Nymphenburg Porcelain celebrates its 250th anniversary with an exhibit focusing on its 20th century works. Continues through 1 Mar. Munchner Stadtmuseum, Sankt Jakobs Platz 1, phone 2332-2370.

Throughout February—Musical Theater. Annie continues through the end of 1998. Munchner Musicaltheater, Ratzinger Platz. For information and tickets, call 08158-993-306.

Throughout February—Opera, Concerts, Ballet. Performances by the Bavarian State Opera, Orchestra and Ballet at the National Theater, Maximilianstrasse 11. Order tickets four weeks in advance: phone 218-5368, fax 218-5304.

Throughout February—Concerts. The Munich Philharmonic performs in the Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

March 1998

1 Mar—Porcelain Exhibit. Nymphenburg Porcelain celebrates its 250th anniversary with an exhibit focusing on its 20th century works. Final day. Munchner Stadtmuseum, Sankt Jakobs Platz 1, phone 2332-2370.

Beginning 2 Mar—Theater. The Paris Lido makes a tour stop at Deutsches Theater, which will be turned into a dinner theater. Indefinite engagement (approximately three weeks). Schwanthalerstrasse 13, phone 5523-4444.

5, 6 Mar—Dance. Michael Flatley and troupe perform Lord of the Dance. Olympiahalle in Olympiapark. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181.

8, 18 Mar—Concerts. The Munich Symphony performs in the Herkulessaal of the Residenz. For information and tickets, phone 936-093 or fax 930-6494.

13-31 Mar—Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Festival). A dark, sweet and potent beer (6%-8% alcohol) is served during this period in Munich’s beer halls, particularly at the Salvatorkeller on the Nockherberg and at the Lowenbraukeller. (The suffix -ator signifies a strong beer.) In the Middle Ages, monks drank this “liquid bread” to keep up their strength while fasting during Lent. Continues through 3 Apr. For information, call 233-0300.

24-31 Mar—Ballet Festival Week. Performances take place in the Nationaltheater, Max Joseph Platz 2. For information and tickets, phone 2185-1920, fax 2185-1903.

26 Mar—Pop Concert. The Spice Girls perform at 8 pm. Olympiahalle in Olympiapark. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181.

27 Mar—Pop Concert. Genesis performs at 8 pm. Olympiahalle in Olympiapark. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181.

29 Mar—Concerts. The Munich Rundfunkorchester performs two programs celebrating the 100th anniversary of George Gerschwin’s birth. 11 am and 8 pm. Gasteig Cultural Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

Throughout March—Art Exhibition. “The Age of Pre-Raphaelite Symbolism in Great Britain, 1860-1910.” Continues through 26 Apr. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

Throughout March—Art Exhibit. “The Journey Into the Unknown,” works by Bocklin, De Chirico and Ernst. Continues through 3 May. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

Throughout March—Exhibition. The Bavarian National Museum displays its new acquisitions and gifts. Continues through 7 Jun. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Prinzregentenstrasse 3, phone 211-241.

Throughout March—Musical Theater. Annie continues through the end of 1998. Munchner Musicaltheater, Ratzinger Platz. For information and tickets, call 08158-993-306.

Throughout March—Opera, Concerts, Ballet. Performances by the Bavarian State Opera, Orchestra and Ballet at the National Theater, Maximilianstrasse 11. Order tickets four weeks in advance: phone 218-5368, fax 218-5304.

Throughout March—Concerts. The Munich Philharmonic performs in the Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

April 1998

1-3 Apr—Starkbierzeit (literally, Strong Beer Time). A dark, sweet and potent beer (6%-8% alcohol) is served during this period in Munich’s beer halls, particularly at the Salvatorkeller on the Nockherberg and at the Lowenbraukeller. (The suffix -ator signifies a strong beer.) In the Middle Ages, monks drank this “liquid bread” to keep up their strength while fasting during Lent. For information, call 233-0300.

1-26 Apr—Art Exhibition. “The Age of Pre-Raphaelite Symbolism in Great Britain, 1860-1910.” Final weeks. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

3-30 Apr—Art Exhibit. Albrecht Durer paintings and graphics. Continues through 7 Jun. Neue Pinakothek, Barer Strasse 29, phone 2380-5195.

8-30 Apr—Art Exhibit. Works by Gerhard Richter. Continues through 14 Jun. Lenbachhaus Kunstbau, Luisenstrasse 33, phone 233-0320.

10 Apr—Good Friday. Public and religious holiday.

12 Apr—Easter Sunday. Public and religious holiday.

13 Apr—Easter Monday. Public and religious holiday.

18-30 Apr—Spring Festival. Continues through 3 May. Theresienwiese.

19-30 Apr—Munich Biennial. An international festival for new musical theater. Several venues, including the Gasteig Cultural Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

25-30 Apr—Mai Dult. The spring version of the traditional antiques and flea market, repeated three times annually since the 1200s. Carnival rides, assorted bric-a-brac, pretzels and bratwurst in tents and booths on Mariahilfplatz. Continues through 3 May.

30 Apr—Art Exhibit. Works collected by Picasso, including some of his own paintings. Continues through 16 Aug. Kunsthalle der Hypo Kulturstiftung, Theatinerstrasse 15, phone 224-412.

Throughout April—Art Exhibit. “The Journey Into the Unknown,” works by Bocklin, De Chirico and Ernst. Continues through 3 May. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

Throughout April—Exhibition. The Bavarian National Museum displays its new acquisitions and gifts. Continues through 7 Jun. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Prinzregentenstrasse 3, phone 211-241.

Throughout April—Musical Theater. Annie continues through the end of 1998. Munchner Musicaltheater, Ratzinger Platz. For information and tickets, call 08158-993-306.

Throughout April—Opera, Concerts, Ballet. Performances by the Bavarian State Opera, Orchestra and Ballet at the National Theater, Maximilianstrasse 11. Order tickets four weeks in advance: phone 218-5368, fax 218-5304.

Throughout April—Concerts. The Munich Philharmonic performs in the Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

May 1998

1 May—Labor Day. Public holiday.

1-3 May—Art Exhibit. “The Journey Into the Unknown,” works by Bocklin, De Chirico and Ernst. Final days. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

1-3 May—Spring Festival. Final days. Theresienwiese.

1-3 May—Mai Dult. Last three days of the spring version of the traditional antiques and flea market, repeated three times annually since the 1200s. Carnival rides, assorted bric-a-brac, pretzels and bratwurst in tents and booths on Mariahilfplatz.

8-31 May—Photographic Exhibit. “West Berlin-East Berlin, 1961-1968.” Photographs by Bernard Larsson. Continues through 12 Jul. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

8-31 May—Exhibit. “Art and Life: Schwabing Around 1900.” Continues through 13 Sep. Munchner Stadtmuseum, Sankt Jakobs Platz 1, phone 22370.

Beginning Mid May—Art Exhibit. A large exhibit organized by several Munich art organizations, continues through 12 Jul. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

21 May—Ascension Day. Public and religious holiday.

24 May—Rock Concert. The Rolling Stones, on their “Bridges to Babylon” tour. Olympiastadion in Olympiapark. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181 or 2602-6026.

31 May—Whitsunday. Public and religious holiday.

31 May—German Gymnastics Festival. Thousands of participants from all over Germany and neighboring countries gather in Munich for competition and recreation. Continues through 7 Jun at the Olympiapark and other venues. For more information, call 3000-6641.

Throughout May—Exhibition. The Bavarian National Museum displays its new acquisitions and gifts. Continues through 7 Jun. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Prinzregentenstrasse 3, phone 211-241.

Throughout May—Art Exhibit. Albrecht Durer paintings and graphics. Continues through 7 Jun. Neue Pinakothek, Barer Strasse 29, phone 2380-5195.

Throughout May—Art Exhibit. Works by Gerhard Richter. Continues through 14 Jun. Lenbachhaus Kunstbau, Luisenstrasse 33, phone 233-0320.

Throughout May—Art Exhibit. Works collected by Picasso, including some of his own paintings. Continues through 16 Aug. Kunsthalle der Hypo Kulturstiftung, Theatinerstrasse 15, phone 224-412.

Throughout May—Musical Theater. Annie continues through the end of 1998. Munchner Musicaltheater, Ratzinger Platz. For information and tickets, call 08158-993-306.

Throughout May—Opera, Concerts, Ballet. Performances by the Bavarian State Opera, Orchestra and Ballet at the National Theater, Maximilianstrasse 11. Order tickets four weeks in advance: phone 218-5368, fax 218-5304.

Throughout May—Concerts. The Munich Philharmonic performs in the Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

June 1998

1 Jun—Whitmonday. Public and religious holiday.

1-7 Jun—Exhibition. The Bavarian National Museum displays its new acquisitions and gifts. Final week. Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Prinzregentenstrasse 3, phone 211-241.

1-7 Jun—Art Exhibit. Albrecht Durer paintings and graphics. Final week. Neue Pinakothek, Barer Strasse 29, phone 2380-5195.

1-7 Jun—German Gymnastics Festival. Thousands of participants from all over Germany and neighboring countries gather in Munich for competition and recreation. Olympiapark and other venues. For more information, call 3000-6641.

1-14 Jun—Art Exhibit. Works by Gerhard Richter. Final weeks. Lenbachhaus Kunstbau, Luisenstrasse 33, phone 233-0320.

11 Jun—Corpus Christi. Public and religious holiday.

13, 14 Jun—Munich’s Foundation Day. The founding of the city 840 years ago is celebrated between Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz. Information: 233-0300.

14 Jun—Pop Concert. Billy Joel and Elton John perform at 7 pm. Olympiastadion, in Olympiapark. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181.

24-30 Jun—TollWood Summer Festival. Multicultural festival highlighting music, cabaret, art and culinary masterpieces. Continues through 12 Jul. Olympiastadion in Olympiapark. Information: 383-8500.

27 Jun—Open Air Opera. Aida is performed outdoors at Konigsplatz on a 65-ft-/20-m-high stage in the shape of a pyramid. For tickets, call 0180-55772.

27-30 Jun—International Munich Film Festival. More than 100 films from all over the world, shown at venues throughout the city. Continues through 4 Jul. Information: 381-9040.

28 Jun—Open Air Concert. The Symphony Orchestra of Bavarian Broadcasting, Lorin Maazel conducting, performs works by Beethoven and Ravel. Konigsplatz. For tickets, call 0180-55772.

28 Jun—City Run. The course runs from the Old Town to Englischer Garten, and runners can choose between a 10K or a half marathon. For more information, call 233-0300.

30 Jun—Opera Festival. A monthlong festival with daily performances until 31 Jul. Opening opera is Tristan and Isolde. Nationaltheater, Max Joseph Platz 2. For information and tickets, call 2185-1920, fax 2185-1903.

Throughout June—Art Exhibit. Works collected by Picasso, including some of his own paintings. Continues through 16 Aug. Kunsthalle der Hypo Kulturstiftung, Theatinerstrasse 15, phone 224-412.

Throughout June—Photographic Exhibit. “West Berlin-East Berlin, 1961-1968.” Photographs by Bernard Larsson. Continues through 12 Jul. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

Throughout June—Exhibit. “Art and Life: Schwabing Around 1900.” Continues through 13 Sep. Munchner Stadtmuseum, Sankt Jakobs Platz 1, phone 22370.

Throughout June—Art Exhibit. A large exhibit organized by several Munich art organizations, continues through 12 Jul. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

Throughout June—Musical Theater. Annie continues through the end of 1998. Munchner Musicaltheater, Ratzinger Platz. For information and tickets, call 08158-993-306.

Throughout June—Opera, Concerts, Ballet. Performances by the Bavarian State Opera, Orchestra and Ballet at the National Theater, Maximilianstrasse 11. Order tickets four weeks in advance: phone 218-5368, fax 218-5304.

Throughout June—Concerts. The Munich Philharmonic performs in the Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.

July 1998

1-4 Jul—International Munich Film Festival. More than 100 films from all over the world, shown at venues throughout the city. Information: 381-9040.

1-12 Jul—Photographic Exhibit. “West Berlin-East Berlin, 1961-1968.” Photographs by Bernard Larsson. Final days. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

1-12 Jul—Art Exhibit. A large exhibit organized by several Munich art organizations. Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, phone 211-270.

1-12 Jul—TollWood Summer Festival. Multicultural festival highlighting music, cabaret, art and culinary masterpieces. Olympiastadion in Olympiapark. Information: 383-8500.

1-31 Jul—Opera Festival. Daily performances at the Nationaltheater, Max Joseph Platz 2. For information and tickets, phone 2185-1920, fax 2185-1903.

5, 11, 17, 28, 30 Jul—Bell’Arte Concerts. Open-air concerts, ranging from classical to jazz, in the courtyard of the Residenz, Max Joseph Platz. Information: 811-6191.

24-31 Jul—Salzburg Festival. The preeminent musical festival of Europe takes place again, two hours from Munich by train or car. Continues through 30 Aug. Write to Salzburg Festival, Postfach 140, 5010 Salzburg, Austria.

25-31 Jul—Auer Jacobidult. Summer version of the traditional antiques and flea market, repeated three times annually since the 1200s. Carnival rides, assorted bric-a-brac, pretzels and bratwurst in tents and booths on Mariahilfplatz. Continues through 2 Aug.

Throughout July—Art Exhibit. Works collected by Picasso, including some of his own paintings. Continues through 16 Aug. Kunsthalle der Hypo Kulturstiftung, Theatinerstrasse 15, phone 224-412.

Throughout July—Exhibit. “Art and Life: Schwabing Around 1900.” Continues through 13 Sep. Munchner Stadtmuseum, Sankt Jakobs Platz 1, phone 22370.

Throughout July—Musical Theater. Annie continues through the end of 1998. Munchner Musicaltheater, Ratzinger Platz. For information and tickets, call 08158-993-306.

Throughout July—Concerts. The Munich Philharmonic performs in the Gasteig Culture Center, Rosenheimer Strasse 5. Final month of the season. For information and tickets, phone 5481-8181, fax 5481-8154.