A city's character is shaped by its residents, and Munich is home to some truly exceptional individuals. We have enlisted a few remarkable talents as Munich ambassadors and would like to introduce them through this questionnaire. This time featuring: Laura Schieferle, Branch Manager of Kunstareal München (Art Quarter).
Were you born in Munich or did you move here?
I turned into a Munich resident.
What does Munich taste like?
It has the taste of the south!
What does Munich sound like?
Street music, bicycle bells and “Sperrengeschoss” (access area to underground railway)!
The smell of Munich:
It depends on the district – from Chanel N°5 to Leberkäs roll and lemon-basil-prosecco sorbet.
Munich is the only city where you should ...
... book a table, even if you only want to go out for breakfast as a couple.
My favourite word in Bavarian dialect:
“Passt!”*
The city's most beautiful building:
Museum Brandhorst – an ageless piece of architecture. The colourful façade delights me every time I see it.
As an ambassador, I would like to dispel this misconception about Munich:
Munich is not a village, nor is Munich just cosy – Munich is lively and has an incredibly vital cultural scene.
The catchiest Munich song:
“In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus“?!?! The question wasn't which one I like best, right?
Isar oder Eisbach?
Definitely Isar river! You catch a lot more of the action outside – I also love the view in the direction of the cogeneration plant ...
Beer garden or Bar?
Even though I love going to a good bar: You won't find beer gardens like the ones in Munich anywhere else in the world. They are sensational!
Philharmonic orchestra or brass band music?
Philharmonics! Brass music is often even better in the countryside, but at the Philharmonics you can experience a world-class concert almost every night! Munich is also fortunate to host three world-class orchestras, which is a great treasure.
Lederhosen/Dirndl: yes or no?
After 20 years in Bavaria, I'm allowed to wear a dirndl (women's traditional Bavarian dress), right? Well, I have one and I like it.
To the mountains or to the lakes at the weekend?
In summer, you'll find me by the lake and in winter I'm in the mountains – although I am thinking of getting ice skates for next winter, so maybe I'll then prefer to be at the lake in winter, too ...
When I'm away from Munich, I often proudly share this fact about the city:
Munich is one of the major cities with the most hours of sunshine!
The best place in Munich to impress visitors?
Kunstareal (Art Quarter) of course – 5,000 years of cultural history on 500 x 500 metres. No one can outdo us in this respect!
The best place for a sundowner?
Sebastiansplatz (square) – centrally located, sunshine until late and not far from everything you like to do afterwards (theatre, cinema, eating out ...).
The best place for a romantic dinner?
I must admit: Romance is not my speciality, but the Kabinettsgarten (small courtyard) next to the Allerheiligen-Hofkirche (church) is especially lovely in the evening ...
The most beautiful walk?
It leads through the northern part of the Englischer Garten (Park) and it's hard to believe that you're still in the city, while the Isar (river) rushes past and the sheep graze next to you.
When I seek tranquillity, my sanctuary is ...
... my bed. To be honest, I almost never long for peace and quiet. I like it loud and busy.
