Servus an Alle!

Welcome back to the Munich Post! The purpose of this newsletter is to share: 3 bits of news, 2 upcoming events, and 1 amazing restaurant/café for expats living in and around Munich. This way, you have a pulse on what’s going on without scrolling through thousands of pages.

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Here’s our weekly roundup:

Germany is gearing up for its federal elections on Sunday, February 23, with key candidates presenting distinct visions for the country’s future. Read more about each of their policies here. 

A recent Edeka campaign illustrates a world devoid of international influences, emphasizing how much richness and variety diversity brings to our daily lives. 

3 bits of news

AI giant sets up in Bavaria  

Another tech giant has set its sights on Munich. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is opening its first office in Germany, adding its name to the long list of major players like Google, Microsoft and Apple. The exact location and team size remain a mystery.

Why Munich? OpenAI founder Sam Altman says German businesses are already seeing big productivity boosts with AI, making the country a key growth market.

The Bavarian government is thrilled. State officials are calling it a win for Munich’s high-tech ecosystem, which is home to top universities, research centers and 134 AI professorships. 

Tech experts say that compared to the US, Munich offers top-tier talent at a more affordable price—another reason global giants keep setting up shop here.

Read more here (in German).

Revamped IKEA store coming soon 

IKEA is reimagining its very first German store. The Eching location, which opened over 50 years ago, is set to be replaced with a brand-new, modern store—though don’t worry, the current store at Heisenbergstraße 14 remains fully open while plans take shape.

The new store will focus on sustainability, improved shopping experiences and faster fulfilment services. Expect a seamless mix of in-store, online and pick-up options to keep up with customer needs.

No official construction dates have been set yet, as discussions with the municipality are ongoing.

Find more info here (in German). 

Munich hosts global leaders again

Every February, Munich becomes the center of global security talks. Starting this Friday through Sunday, world leaders, military officials and business representatives will gather at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof for the Munich Security Conference (Siko). 

While the focus will be on global security challenges, Munich residents will notice some immediate detours—think roadblocks, no-stop zones, and changes to public transport.

Expect major road closures around Promenadeplatz, Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße and Prannerstraße. The MVG tram lines 19 and 21 will be rerouted, with stops like Lenbachplatz and Nationaltheater temporarily suspended. 

If you’re driving in the city center, reconsider—towing will start as early as Wednesday for vehicles in restricted zones.

Who’s Coming & What’s on the Agenda?

The conference will welcome high-profile guests, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Economic Minister Robert Habeck, CDU leader Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Vice President J.D. Vance. 

Discussions will cover global security, climate security and Europe’s role in international affairs.

If you rely on public transport or need to navigate the city, check MVG updates for the latest route changes. And if you were planning a casual stroll past the Bayerischer Hof—maybe choose another route.

For more info, read here and here (in German).

BONUS: 

• Bavaria launches additional German language tests for Kita children

• Special new traffic lights for Munich 

• Thousands protest across Germany against far-right extremism

• Oktoberfest logo contest 2025

• McDonald's introduces new dialog format for young people

• German civil activists win election case against Musk's X

• Germany’s slow work visa issuance impacting labour migration

• Vietnam Airlines to launch new flights from Munich

• What Germany's election means for Bitcoin and the super rich 

• Transparency International: Corruption is a climate issue

In Partnership with Granite Financial

It is our desire to bring our readers the best information about Munich — at zero cost to you. In keeping with this theme, we thank our partners for today’s newsletter. By just clicking the link below, you’ll support The Munich Post.

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2 upcoming events

The masterpiece that shredded the art world

Banksy is back in Munich and this time he’s bringing his most controversial piece yet. “Girl Without Balloon”—formerly known as “Love is in the Bin”—will be on display at MUCA Bunker for two months starting this Friday, February 14. 

If you remember the jaw-dropping moment when the painting self-destructed at a Sotheby’s auction in 2018, here’s your chance to see the infamous piece in person.

Originally sold for just over £1 million, the artwork shocked the world when it partially shredded itself moments after the auction hammer dropped. In true Banksy fashion, the stunt transformed the piece into something even more valuable—reselling in 2021 for a staggering £18 million. 

Now, it’s here in Munich, inviting visitors to reflect on how art, money and society intersect in unexpected ways.

How to see the exhibit

• The MUCA Bunker will be hosting the artwork on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 Noon to 6pm.

• Valentine’s Day Special: Visit on February 14 and get two tickets for the price of one—a romantic date idea with a rebellious twist.

Find more info here (in German). 

Book tickets here. 

General information:

📍  MUCA Bunker, Hotterstraße 12, 80331 München

🗓️   February 14 - April 13, 2025

⏰   Saturdays & Sundays, 12 Noon - 6pm 

💶  Adults: €15 | Reduced: €10 | Kids under 12: Free

All aboard the model railway magic 

Ever wanted to see tiny trains run through a beautifully detailed landscape? 

Munich’s model train club (N-Bahn Freunde) are hosting two public driving days on February 22 and 23, at the Botanical garden in Nymphenburg Palace Park. 

Expect an impressive 1:160 scale railway model with a two-track main line and a one-track branch line, all set up in the stunning, light-filled Palmenhaus—a historic space that once kept tropical trees warm during Munich’s winters.

The level of detail in these setups is incredible, from the realistic landscapes to the perfectly timed trains gliding down the tracks. It’s a great way to introduce kids to model railways or simply admire the dedication behind this fascinating hobby.

Find more information here (in German).

General information:

📍  Palmenhaus, Nymphenburg Palace Park, München

🗓️  February 22-23, 2025

⏰   Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 5pm 

💶  Adults: €3 

BONUS

• Fridays for future - Feb 14 

• 11 things to do on Valentine's day 

• Join the new Bergson Voices choir - Feb 22 

• First Minit and Nursing training fairs - Feb 26

We also like to thank our second sponsor 🙂 

Pro Tip: Dinner drama doesn’t have to be a thing.

Order Tovala instead, and enjoy zero stress with every meal. Tovala’s menu changes every week so there’s always something new—and their at-home delivery makes grocery shopping virtually non-existent. Savor freshly-cooked flavors in every meal—with just 1-minute of prep.

Get started now and ditch the dinner drama.

1 new restaurant/café to try

Levante

If you’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern food with a touch of elegance, Levante is the place. This mezze bar and restaurant located in Maxvorstadt serves up dishes that are fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented. 

The baked eggplant, zucchini fritters, and cheese-stuffed mushrooms are just a few of the standouts, while the truffle hummus and babaganoush will have you scraping the plate. And if you’re into lamb, expect perfectly tender meat paired with just the right sides.

Yes, prices are a little higher, but the quality, cozy ambiance and excellent service make it well worth it. Plus, vegetarians will love the extensive plant-based options.

Even if you’re full, don’t skip the rice pudding—it’s surprisingly delicious. 

General information:

📍  Franz-Joseph-Straße 45, 80801 München 

🥘  Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Cuisine

⏰  Daily, 6pm - 12 Midnight (plus 30 min on Friday and Saturday)

⏰  Sunday Brunch, 10am – 3pm

🔗 Visit Levante

Meme of the week 😂

Thanks for reading and sharing the Munich Post 3-2-1 newsletter.

See ya next week!

Aazar, Arlene, Christina, and Heidi

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