Another day.. as mentioned in yesterday's blog.. Munich is an international modern city and looks wonderful in the summer sun..
Driving out of the centre, the benefit of having a car rather than travelling by train is justified by seeing a structure so well known and being able to decide to stop and investigate...
The 1972 Olympic Stadium....
This is one of the most iconic modern structures; I remember the '72 Olympics and the incredible setting that changed the way the Olympics were designed and presented as the face of both the city and the Olympic movement; but this, overshadowed by the massacre of Israeli athletes by the Black September Movement.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1972_Summer_Olympics
The overall design was masterminded by Gunther Behnisch, with the structures designed by Frei Otto; this is the site that changed how architecture and structural design could mesh into a new architectural language.
It is a wonderful site, now a public park and finally receiving the investment to update the original buildings into a valuable social event arena.
The stadium was the home of Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich but they left the site in 2006 and re-located to the Allianz Areana, as the main stadium was perceived as not being able to provide the sports environment necessary for the clubs.
Originally the stadium was designed for 80,000 but it currently holds approximately 67,000. Having been on the top tier of the stadium, even this feels excessive.. I wouldn't feel comfortable if the stadium was full. It feels age worn.. it needs investment but probably will get this soon...
The surrounding area is also an evocative reminder of the Olympics...
Back in the car, signs to the BMW Welt and museum make another easy decision to stop and investigate.. Cars and motorbikes in a giant showroom and museum complex....
The Welt...
I love the old BMW cars.. particularly the paint!... but they remind me of my early days looking at car magazines and they looked sophisticated and desirable against the typical British Leyland offers.. I'm not a great fan of current BMW design though...
Finally back on the road.. great road surfaces but so many roadworks.. obviously both go together... Arrived in Nurnberg and visited the centre... it looked so sleepy... how early perceptions can deceive.... tomorrow....
I had arrived in the centre at one point.. thinking this was how the rest of the city would be......
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