Munich discovers hidden gems: third places in focus!

Munich discovers hidden gems: third places in focus!

An exciting art project called “Third Places” has gained momentum in Munich. It aims to identify and archive social meeting places that are not at home or at work. This idea, which was coined by the US sociologist Ray Oldenburg, is also receiving increasing attention here. Miriam Worek, a committed art educator, is leading this project and will be launching an interesting campaign on Wednesday, July 16th. The idea is to capture not only forgotten places, but also current and even utopian places in order to honor their importance in our society. As the tz reported, information evenings are scheduled for interested citizens in the Motorama city library on July 22nd and 28th and August 12th, starting at 7 p.m.

In addition, from July 16th, citizens can borrow an urban research backpack, equipped with a 3D scanning tablet and microphone, to document their own cultural places. Worek has already captured numerous impressions and objects, including the popular café bar Mona, which served as a meeting place for subcultural events during its two years and has been closed since 2024. Historical photos of places such as the Drehleier Theater expand the archive and provide insights into the changes in Munich's cultural scene.

The diversity of third places

Third places are much more than just cozy café corners; they can be anywhere people feel a need for social interaction. According to the Körber Foundation It is important to use existing places creatively. Restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets with cozy coffee areas are popular places to go, especially for seniors who like to spend time there to socialize. In Germany, however, studies show that the number of catering establishments has been declining since the Corona lockdowns. At the same time, prices in the catering industry are rising, making the situation for social encounters more difficult.

A look back at the state of social meeting places shows that many traditional restaurants in the countryside no longer exist, which is unfortunately often due to age or business reasons. This makes it all the more important that municipalities take action. A good example of innovative meeting spaces are the “third places”, which exist in various forms such as cafés, bookstores or community spaces. Particularly in the USA, the Netherlands and Northern Europe, many libraries have redefined their role as social meeting places and thus promote active participation among citizens - there are also initiatives available in this country to make libraries more attractive.

Counteract loneliness

The issue of loneliness and social isolation is increasingly recognized as a social problem. Public meeting places play a crucial role in social interaction, especially for older people. The need to create and promote such places is also discussed bvprevention. Initiatives like “Chairs out!” or intergenerational lunches show how easy it can be to organize neighborhood events that bring people together.

In summary, Third Places in Munich and beyond are essential centers that strengthen community well-being. By archiving these places, Worek's art project not only aims to keep history alive, but also initiate a dialogue about the social needs of our time. A clear call to all Munich residents: Get involved in your neighborhood and take the first step to revitalize such meeting spaces!