Munich is shaped by extraordinary women. In our questionnaire we would like to introduce a few of them. This time: Stephanie Utz. She co-founded the "Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art" (MUCA). The MUCA focuses on street art as a 21st century art form.
Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
I am a true child of Munich: I was born in the hospital on the right of the Isar, and I grew up in Haidhausen. Unfortunately, I was "forcibly transferred" to Fasangarten as a child, because my parents moved house.
In which district are you at home?
I live in Lehel now. Because the district is so close to the Englischer Garten (English Garden), the area is extremely green, but it's still in the middle of the city. However it's still my dream to move back to Haidhausen some day, I associate so many childhood memories with it.
What does Munich taste like?
It varies with the seasons: in the autumn, for example, it smells of hops, in the winter it smells of chestnuts and roast almonds. Spring smells a bit like an awakening, and summer smells of Italy, pasta, ice-cream and sun-cream.
What does Munich sound like?
Church bells are the "Sound of the City" for me. I have lived near churches more than once, and the sound has never disturbed me. When I have the time, I like to stop and stand on the Marienplatz and look at the Glockenspiel for a few minutes.
What does Munich smell like?
Especially if you have children: it smells like pretzels! There's no other city where children eat so many pretzels, they grow up on them.
Munich is the only city where ...
… you can surf on the Isar.
Which Munich lady should everyone know?
The Bavaria: an indomitable image of a woman!
Your favourite Bavarian word?
"Basst scho" (It’s alright): It says so much about the relaxed approach to life in Munich. Just go with the flow and don't take yourself too seriously.
The most attractive building in the city?
There are so many beautiful buildings: the Opera House, the Landtag (federal state parliament), the Dallmayr (delicacies). But there's one building that's often overlooked: the ORAG House between Oberanger and Sankt-Jakobs-Platz.
The catchiest Munich song?
Oktoberfest songs come mainly to mind.
Isar or Eisbach?
The Isar – it has more exciting spots and the crowds flow better.
Beer garden or bar?
A beer garden is more relaxed. And the customers are more differentiated, it's a mixed culture that suits everyone's situation in life.
Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
I listen to brass band music more, in a beer garden for example, or at the Oktoberfest.
A weekend in the mountains or by the lake?
In the summer, I prefer to go to a lake. You can go to the mountains any time.
The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
Clamber around on the roof of the Olympic Stadium: the architecture in itself is very impressive. With luck, you'll also get a really good view of the mountains.
The best place in Munich to think?
You can always find a quiet spot in the Isar wetlands from where you can gaze at the water and let your thoughts wander.
The best place in Munich for music lovers?
You can get your fill of big sounds at the "Long Night of Music".
The best place in Munich to experience culture?
Simply keep your eyes open as you walk through the streets. Munich is a good place to explore on foot or by bike, and it's the ideal way to experience street & urban art. For example there's our "Outdoor Gallery" underneath the Candid Bridge, where famous street artists are immortalised.
The best place in Munich if you are longing for Italy?
The Sankt-Anna-Platz in Lehel is just like Italy: it's like sitting in a village square. And it also has two good Italian restaurants.
More information about Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA)
A tour not only for women! Learn more about the famous and less famous women of Munich during a walking tour. Read more
