Everyone knows this place on the Stachus – historical photos show how it has changed

In comparison, it becomes clear how much the Stachus has changed. © Imago-Images / Erich Andres

Munich's cityscape has changed dramatically over the years. The example of the Osrams lettering on Karlsplatz illustrates the development particularly clearly.

Munich – We humans are creatures of habit and react sensitively to changes in our environment. But the fact that masses of Munich residents would miss a neon sign was unexpected. And yet this was the case with the Stachus, when in September 2019 the lettering of the German Osram-Licht-AG on the neo-baroque façade of the roundabout on Karlsplatz went out.

Osram advertising at the Stachus – time leaves its mark

"Bright as daylight" is the lettering that Osram had installed at the end of the 1950s as an illumination on the lively Stachus (the busiest square in Europe before the pedestrian zone was calmed down in 1972): almost symbolically as a ray of hope after the dark times of the Second World War and a signpost to the German economic miracle and technical progress.

Four years ago, Osram dismantled the eye-catcher. The 19 letters had become expensive, maintenance-intensive and power-guzzling and had also been severely affected by wind and weather.

Karlsplatz in 1957 with the original Osram advertisement. © Imago-Images / Erich Andres

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By the way: The area, which was laid out in 1791, is actually only unofficially called Stachus: popularly named after the innkeeper Mathias Eustachius Förderl, who served beer in a popular inn with a garden where the Kaufhof stands today.

With retro charm: Stachus lettering shines again

The local press reported nostalgically, many Munich residents spoke up and wished for the familiar lettering high above Munich back. The debate found its way into the town hall. A technically up-to-date solution was needed, adapted to the typography of the former neon advertising. The contract was awarded to Guttenberg+Partner from the Upper Palatinate, which also supplies Porsche with high-tech solutions.

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Karlsplatz in September 2020 without the Osram lettering on the roundabout. © Ralph Peters/ Imago Images

With retro charm, but brought up to date with the latest LED technology, the twice-2021-metre-long slogan has been shining behind white acrylic glass again since the beginning of 25. Controlled by a sensitive, ambient light-dependent dimming, so that Munich also lights up again at the Stachus.

Michael Jackson also shopped: toy store in Munich

Another ray of hope at the Stachus: The Munich toy store "Obletter", founded in 1825 by a South Tyrolean figure carver, will survive the inner-city retail death. Since 1927, the family-run company has had its headquarters in the corner building on Karlsplatz-Rondell, and expanded rapidly until the 1990s. Michael Jackson, a big pop star and big kid with a penchant for Peter Pan, also bought Lego, puzzles and Kaiser Wilhelm souvenirs there in the early summer of 1992 on the occasion of his tour of Germany.

Karlsplatz 2022 at dusk with renewed lettering. © Martin Falbisoner

But soon things go downhill with the Munich store and its treasures on the shelves. For some time now, Bär and PlayStation have been coming from China at the click of a mouse. But now, contrary to expectations and against all odds, the lease of the charming shop has been extended. Good news that not only makes children's eyes light up. Sven Goergens

At the Pini-Haus in Munich, something else stands out when you look upwards. A sign that adorned the roof of the building on the Stachus for a long time is missing.

You can find even more up-to-date news from Munich and the region on tz.de/muenchen.