Street music is strictly regulated in Munich, as it is in many other places in Germany. Normally, you need a permit for certain locations, must maintain a sufficient distance from shops and stalls, and are only allowed to set up at each spot once per day. If all that seems too stressful, there’s still a way for you to showcase your musical talent in public right now. With the “Play Me!” campaign, the Urbanauten are once again bringing pianos to Munich’s neighborhoods, and anyone and everyone is welcome to strum away on them.
Global music project
In 2008, British artist Luke Jerram launched the “Play Me, I’m Yours” campaign. Over the years, it took the world by storm and took place in 49 countries. More than 1,400 pianos found temporary homes in public spaces from South America to Europe. The project had previously been held in Munich from 2014 to 2018, with urbanauten responsible for its implementation. This year, the pianos are finally returning to Munich, for the first time under the new name “Spiel mich!”
Since June 11, you’ll find 11 pianos scattered throughout the city in public spaces, where they’re available for anyone to play. Each instrument was elaborately designed in advance: the pianos glow at you in the brightest colors , bearing the invitation “Play me!” This way, they combine visual and acoustic art.
Where to find the “Play Me!” pianos
The 11 pianos will remain in the neighborhoods until July 2, inviting people to spontaneous jam sessions and open-air concerts. The second round will follow in the fall, when another eight pianos will appear in Munich’s neighborhoods from October 8 to 29. Of course, you can go on a hunt for the artistic pianos yourself and treat it like a scavenger hunt. But if you’re not in the mood for that, we’ll tell you right here where you can find them:
- Odeonsplatz (June 11–24)/Lenbachplatz (June 25–July 2)
- Bordeauxplatz
- St. Martin’s Square in Moosach
- Curt-Metzger Platz
- Schwabinger Tor
- Baumkirchner Straße/Grüner Markt
- Giesing Station Square
- Hans-Mielich-Platz
- Thalkirchner Platz
- Pasinger Marienplatz
- Oertlplatz
