Its canopy top is famous around the world: the Olympiastadion was the heart of the action at the 1972 Summer Games in Munich.
The architects from the office of Behnisch & Partner were keen to build a stadium that symbolised transparency and light for the Olympic Games in the summer of 1972. They also wanted to make sure that the stadium blended well with its surroundings in the Olympic Park. And they were successful – even after 50 years, its unique construction still impresses with its sweeping canopy roof. These days, the Olympiastadion is one of Munich’s modern-day landmarks.
In the summer of 1972, the arena provided the backdrop to various sporting battles, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games. Two years later, the German football team also defeated the Netherlands in the final of the World Cup in July 1974. The Olympiastadion was also home to FC Bayern München until the team relocated to the new Allianz Arena in 2005.
In terms of culture, the stadium is also one of the most important venues in Germany. From the Rolling Stones and AC/DC, Elton John and Michael Jackson, to the Three Tenors: Countless global stars have given open-air concerts here to a sell-out crowd.
Visitors have access to a number of services at the Olympic Park, including regular guided tours on the subject of sport and architecture. If you’re a bit of a high flyer, why not book a roof climb across the stadium’s canopy top. And if you’re feeling extra brave, you can round off your experience with a zip line over the arena or an abseil down the 40-metre drop into the stadium.
