A classic black Porsche is parked under the wide, light-colored canopy on Georgenstraße. What at first glance appears to be a scene from a bygone era is today, alongside the “UFO” at Munich’s Pinakothek, arguably the city’s most unusual exhibition space. Beneath the blue lettering of the former Metropol Garage, vehicles are no longer serviced or refueled. Instead, the large display windows offer a view of a private art collection. This is where the Metropol Kunstraum is located.
From Gas Station to Exhibition Space
The architecture of the former Metropol gas station immediately stands out in the streetscape. It was built in 1955 on Georgenstraße on the ground floor of a residential building, featuring its characteristic trumpet-shaped roof. Together with the black Porsche, it serves as a reminder of the facility’s former function. On the facade below the windows, the small mosaic tiles in shades of brown and gray have been preserved. A solid metal block embossed with “ART WORKS” in the display window now reflects the completely changed purpose of the space.
The former garage has served as an exhibition space since 2007. At that time, Dr. Markus Michalke established the Metropol Art Space as a non-commercial showcase for his private collection. It features American Minimal and Conceptual art from the 1960s and 1970s by various artists. The space is directly affiliated with the Stiftung der Moderne and the Kunst & Zukunft Bayern initiative, whose logos are displayed on the glass entrance door. The works on display at the Kunstraum change every three to four months.
A Visit to the Metropol Art Space
Today, the Metropol Art Space is rightly considered one of the hidden gems of Munich’s architecture. But the former gas station isn’t just striking from the outside—its interior is equally impressive. Currently, you can admire artist Fred Sandback’s minimalist spatial drawings here in the exhibition “Negativraum.” The exhibition runs through Wednesday, December 16.
The art behind the historic gas station façade is open to the public every Wednesday afternoon between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Anyone wishing to visit the space outside these hours can arrange a private appointment in advance via email. Currently, however, the Metropol Kunstraum must remain closed due to water damage, but it will reopen its doors soon. If you don’t want to go without art in the meantime, visit one of Munich’s free museums.
📍 Location: Georgenstr. 42
🕑 Hours: Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
