Historic church buildings, archaeological discoveries or scenic gems – the district of Munich has many cultural highlights to offer. Some of these are widely known, while others are more hidden. In order for all residents of the district to be able to discover the whole variety, cultural advisor Rainer Klier has brought “cultural trips” into being. The first tour starts on July 27th.
SZ: Mr. Klier, how did you come up with the idea of offering cultural trips through the district?
Rainer Klier: Up until the beginning of the year we were able to do so little culturally because of the corona pandemic. That’s why it was particularly important to me that we go out again, pick people up and bring them back into the cultural institutions. You can still feel a certain corona lethargy. As culture providers, we have to come up with something. I’ve been thinking for a long time about how we can make the many existing cultural sites in the district better known. I think an interactive ride like that is a good way. We want to show the citizens: you don’t always have to drive far, there is also a lot to discover on your doorstep.
The first destinations on July 27th will be Schäftlarn Monastery and Grünwald Castle. Why did you choose these places?
The current highlight was the interesting exhibition on the Grünwald Conference at Burg Grünwald, which is celebrating its 500th anniversary this year. The municipality of Grünwald, together with the Archaeological State Collection in Munich, has designed an exhibition with an accompanying program. This conference, which was about fending off Martin Luther’s reform efforts from the church, was culturally and historically significant for the whole of Bavaria, but few are aware of the details.
Which topics are still on your list?
We are in the process of designing another trip in the footsteps of the Romans, Celts and Bavarians, so we are in the process of arranging an appointment. In general, each trip will always have a thematic focus with one or two stations. And in between a joint lunch, the social part is also part of it.
What feedback have you received so far?
The offer is obviously well received. Our first trip is already fully booked and the waiting list is full. Many people have also asked to be informed about the next rides. Of course that’s nice. I find it particularly pleasing that a large number of those who have registered come from the north of the district, where this first trip is going to the southern part. The interest in getting to know one’s own district “at the other end” or in discovering new things is obviously great. In this way, a district identity can develop.
How will the culture trip work?
We offer several stops in the district where interested parties can get on. Then we take the bus to the individual stations, in this case to Schäftlarn and Grünwald. I will also go along to talk to the people. Culture is an interactive experience that can only be shaped if you exchange ideas and hear what people like and what they want.