Munich isn’t just a city full of culture—it’s also full of history. We pass by many buildings every day—or even visit them regularly—without knowing their origins. Surely you’ve also attended a concert at the Muffatwerk or partied at one or another event at Ampere. But in the past, the venue served a completely different purpose and was indispensable to the city’s infrastructure. To mark the Muffatwerk’s annual birthday celebration, let’s take a look back at its history.
First a water house, then a power plant
The Muffatwerk traces its origins to 1837, when it was first built as a water house on the Auer Mühlbach. There were quite a few of these water houses along Munich’s city streams, as they ensured the population’s supply of drinking water. The water house on Kalkofen Island was built by City Councilman Franz Karl Muffat and expanded 30 years later with the addition of a steam engine. By the end of the 19th century, the water house had finally become Munich’s first inner-city power plant , supplying electricity for street lighting and the tram system.
Over the years, the Muffatwerk underwent various expansions and additions. An Art Nouveau chimney was built atop the water tower; today, it is a protected historic monument. It rises above the trees of the Isar floodplains and is a defining feature of the riverbank’s skyline. In 1973, the power plant was decommissioned, and the building was used for various purposes before becoming a cultural venue in the 1990s. Electricity is still generated here today by a turbine powered by the Auer Mühlbach stream. The stream cascades onto the grounds in a 4-meter-high waterfall before continuing its flow underground.
33 Years of the Muffatwerk
Today, the Muffatwerk covers a total area of 3,000 m², of which the concert hall takes up approximately 642 m². The former boiler house is now home to the Ampere, where you can party in a club-like atmosphere. Outside, you’ll find the attached beer garden, where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious treats, including vegan options. Thanks to its location between the Müller’sche Volksbad and the Maximiliansanalgen, it’s the perfect stop after a day at the beach or a walk along the Isar.
Since 1993, the Muffatwerk has been a cultural center and celebrates this milestone every year with a big party. On Friday, July 24, it’s that time again— the big Muffatfest is coming up. For its 33rd birthday, several live acts will take the stage to get the venue rocking. The lineup includes Jesper Munk, Telquist, Ceci, Sharaktah, Max Ferdinand, and Phillinger. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the concerts start at 8:30 p.m. Whether you buy tickets in advance or at the door, it’s just €15 to attend the Muffatfest.
📍 Location: Muffatwerk, Zellstr. 4
📅 Date: Friday, July 24
💶 Price information: 15€
