An Angel and Street Art in Munich

On a walk in Munich to the Isar River and Friedensengel monument at Maximilian Park, I had just crossed the Luitpold Bridge, and was looking for a way to safely cross busy Prinzregentenstrasse. Then I noticed the pedestrian tunnel under the street. What I found was more than an underground walkway. It was a showcase of street art.

"Isar River from Luitpoldbrücke (Luitpold Bridge)"

Isar River from Luitpoldbrücke (Luitpold Bridge)

The Art

At the bottom of a curved staircase, I stopped in my tracks, surprised to see intriguing murals on both sides that continued the length of the tunnel.

"Pedestrian Tunnel Under Prinzregentenstrasse"

Pedestrian Tunnel Under Prinzregentenstrasse

When walking in cities I’m always attracted to street art and the diversity of subjects, styles and techniques. I’m compelled to stop, take pictures and often think about who might have created the art. What was their motivation? What other art have they produced? Are they amateur or professional artists?

"Underground Street Art in Munich"

Murals in Munich

"Underground street art in Munich"

Murals in Munich

On this December day, the tunnel was free of other people but for one couple that quickly walked through while I was there. Though some tunnels are dark and scary, this one was well lit and peaceful. It felt more like being in a gallery than a tunnel with traffic above.

"Pedestrian Tunnel in Munich"

Pedestrian Tunnel in Munich

"Mural in Pedestrian Tunnel in Munich"

Mural in Pedestrian Tunnel in Munich

The Angel

Emerging from the tunnel, I was at the base of the Friedensengel Monument, looking up at the Angel of Peace statue at the top. Designed in 1891 by Jacob Möhl, the monument was built to commemorate 25 years of peace since the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871.

"Friedensengel Monument, Munich"

Friedensengel Monument, Munich

"Angel of Peace Statue on Friedensengel Monument"

Angel of Peace Statue on Friedensengel Monument

After spending some time strolling through the park, I crossed the Isar again heading back to Old Town. Before long, I came across another interesting and unexpected sight — the daring surfers of the Eisbach!

This is my contribution to Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox.

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56 thoughts on “An Angel and Street Art in Munich

  1. budget jan

    That is a fantastic tunnel of art. We are big walkers around cities as well and when you come across unexpected sites it is very satisfying – like your surfers in Munich – incredible.

  2. Jackie Buxton

    Hi Cathy, I stumbled across your blog when I spotted ‘Munich’ because I was lucky enough to live there for a couple of periods and it’s my absolute favourite city. And then I saw the art and it blew me away. I loved the mice on the ladder, particularly! Lovely blog, great mix of photos and words as your first Jackie said 🙂

  3. Steve

    The picture with the other couple in it makes the underground tunnel actually look like a gallery. Beautiful find, and I wish all underground tunnels were that nicely decorated.

  4. Mary @ The World Is A Book

    What another cool place and attraction that I need to hunt down this summer. Love street art and this does look like a gallery. How great that Munich made use of its unnels to showcase artists. Loving all these great finds you stumbled on in Munich.

  5. Just One Boomer (Suzanne)

    Please let us know when you find out if the murals are “spontaneous” or sponsored by some group or municipal authority. My hometown, Philadelphia, PA has a Mural Arts Program that sponsors murals in all types of venues (mostly outdoors) and neighborhoods. This public art is welcomed and protected in even some of the toughest neighborhoods in the city. I’m planning a blog post on the program for one of these days.

  6. Sophie

    Isn’t it wonderful how one can step around a corner and stumble upon something wonderful such as this. Really must put Munich on the list of cities to pay more attention to.

  7. Vera

    Very cool tunnel – I’m never too excited about pedestrian tunnels, and I can’t really say I usually like the kind of art that is on display down there;), but this one is SO nice! Even better when so unexpected! I shall walk down to the dark side more bravely in the future and hope to find gold, like you did:).

    1. Cathy Post author

      I always enter tunnels very cautiously. With this one, I felt very comfortable right away. Glad I did so that I could enjoy seeing the murals.

  8. insideJourneys

    Very beautiful find, Cathy. I love street art and often wonder about the artists. The scale of the work also intrigues me — maybe because I love to draw but am not good at it. I can just imagine how lovely it was to exit the tunnel and come face to face with the angel.

    1. Cathy Post author

      I think about the confidence of these artists. In addition to having talent and passion, they put it out there for all to see.

  9. jenny@atasteoftravel

    I’d love to have walked down the steps and found this fabulous street art. In Melbourne there is a lot of street art in the lanes and you can pop back a couple of weeks after your initial visit and find it has all changed. I wonder how long the artist’s work remains here.

  10. Leigh

    An ugly, cold concrete tunnel certainly looks far more beautiful with street art to warm the space. I wish there were more of those undiscovered art scenes to find in Canada. I remember seeing some great street murals in Seville and wish now that I’d taken far more photos.

  11. santafetraveler

    What a serendipitous find and one I wouldn’t have made- I avoid tunnels. They’re usually grim and smelly and feel dangerous. The art is wonderful. A little ironic that there’s an angel of peace in Germany. Perhaps a few historical figures should be meditated there. And then surfers in town. What and interesting day!

  12. Karen Dawkins

    Street art adds a rich element to cities, particularly in Europe. When we first arrived in Paris, it surprised us, but the longer we stayed, the more we enjoyed it. Perhaps the one difference between street art in Europe and in the US is that European street artists tend to respect the architecture and culture of the city. This is merely my non-expert observation. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Cathy Post author

      Good point about the European street artists respecting the architecture of the city. I hope that street art always complements the city’ culture. It would be a shame if it all became too much, too obtrusive.

    1. Cathy Post author

      I haven’t been there during Oktoberfest, but it sounds like that takes over the city during that time. I’d like to experience that.

  13. Donna Hull

    I find it interesting that the street art made the pedestrian tunnel feel like a gallery. On a visit to Noumea in New Caledonia, I discovered street art had been transformed into a work of art on the side of an abandoned building. Art canvases are definitely changing.

  14. Becca@R We There Yet Mom?

    What a neat place to “showcase” art. I love the picture of the couple strolling through and looking at it as if it were in a gallery!

    I started Friday Daydreamin back up again – asking everyone to link up their favorite post of the week – hope you can link up this week! Thanks!

  15. Andrew

    I wonder if sometimes cities in Germany commission such things to keep the more random graffiti away. A blank wall begs to be tagged, but often it seems the graffiti makers avoid defacing the art of others. Often, not always. We have a few pedestrian tunnels in Freiburg, but nothing like this that I know of.

  16. Jeff Titelius

    How magnificent to stumble upon such an underground gallery!! I too would have reveled in the moment and snapped away!! This is a great tip for all those visiting the area!

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