The confluence at which styles including traditional Bavarian, ornate Jugendstil, elaborate neo-Gothicism and stark, post-war modernism meet, Munich is a fascinating destination for those who appreciate architecture. Yet in addition to well-known highlights such the landmark Neues Rathaus, the onion domes of the Frauenkirche cathedral and the glorious Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, it’s home to a number of quirkier structures no less worthy of a visit. Read on for our favourite unusual architectural attractions, all within easy reach of The Charles Hotel.
The Brandhorst Museum
An art collection as impressive as that of the Brandhorst – in this case, comprising over 1,200 works from the 1960s to the present day – deserves an equally impressive setting. In this respect, architects Sauerbruch Hutton succeeded masterfully when they built this sharply angular gallery. Just a short stroll from The Charles Hotel, the Brandhorst building becomes almost dizzying as you approach it thanks to its façade, covered with 36,000 vertical ceramic rods. Each rod is glazed in one of a range of shades, from ochre to turquoise, as bold a postmodernist statement as the Andy Warhols and Cy Twomblys inside.
Westfriedhof station
Alight at this unique U-Bahn stop and discover a brutalist, subterranean hall with an ambience quite unlike that of any other station. Westfriedhof’s smooth central platform is brightly lit in red, blue and yellow by eleven gigantic domed lamps, each 12 feet in diameter, contrasting the rough tunnel walls, which are illuminated in neon blue – a dramatic, photogenic space.
Umschreibung
Set in the atrium of an office building, this striking spiral staircase ascends to nowhere before descending, unbroken, only to ascend again. Crafted from metal, this stark structure, precariously balanced on a single point, is actually not a real staircase at all, but a sculpture by Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Signifying ‘circumscription’, or a movement without destination, it’s a unique and unexpected work of art.
Futuro House
One of fewer than 100 now-iconic houses created to Finnish architect Matti Suuronen’s futuristic design, this white, UFO-shaped prototype can be found in front of Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne. Incredibly rare to begin with, it’s one of the last surviving examples and a fascinating insight into the mind of a man who intended to revolutionise the housing market.
Discover Munich’s remarkable architecture with a stay at The Charles Hotel. Book now by emailing reservations.charles@roccofortehotels.com or calling +49 89 544 555 1430.
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
In 1925, a world still shell-shocked from the ravages of World War I found renewal in a burgeoning artistic movement: Art Deco. It reflected motion, progress, the future. Immediately embraced by famed Belgian architect Victor Horta, he laid the foundations for Art Deco in Brussels with his plans for the Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). This marked the inception of a radically modern approach to architecture and art in the city. Now, as Brussels marks a century of Art Deco style, it’s the perfect time to explore this distinctly walkable city with your own budding artists.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
