Olympiapark
Logo Landeshauptstadt München, zur Website der Landeshauptstadt München
Logo Landeshauptstadt München, zur Website der Landeshauptstadt München
About the Application

Motivation and Goals of the Nomination

The Olympic Park is set to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is an architectural
and landscape ensemble of international standing.

Remarkable above all is the political approach reflected in the design of the Olympic Park: Even the original competition brief included various guidelines aimed at expressing the self-image of the young democracy and clearly distancing itself from the 1936 Olympic Games.

A new feature was also how the buildings were integrated into the site's topography. The landscape design, through modeling and planting, not only creates a visual link to the foothills of the Alps, but also invites all visitors to use the space as a form of 'democratic green'.

These are further reasons why Munich supports the application for World Heritage status:

The Olympic Park is a unique urban masterpiece with significance that already extends far beyond Munich. Receiving the UNESCO World Heritage title would officially recognize and honor this importance. The nomination would serve as a mark of quality, with impact both externally and internally.

A World Heritage title would honor the achievement and courage of the creators of the Olympic Park: they broke entirely new ground in terms of architecture, design, and technology. A pioneering accomplishment is especially the curved, transparent tent roof structure that spans the three main sports venues. At the time, there were no precedents for such a design.

The inscription of a cultural or natural heritage site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List marks the beginning of intensified efforts in monument and nature conservation, sustainable development, education, and intercultural understanding. In times of critical national or international developments, World Heritage status offers additional protection. With the World Heritage title, a protection zone would also be established around the Olympic Park. This would allow for early review and prevention of visual impairments caused by new buildings or high-rises. The park also represents an intangible heritage of the Olympic idea: built on the rubble hills of World War II, the Olympic Park stands as a symbol of peace, democracy, and freedom, and of overcoming war – something that is unique worldwide.

Unlike many other former Olympic sites, the Olympic Park is not abandoned but remains a vibrant place of encounter that continues to evolve. The World Heritage title is intended to support and gently advance the diverse possibilities for use. Above all, the unique setting for sports and cultural activities should be preserved and further promoted through the designation.

The Olympic Park is a place that holds deep meaning for many Munich residents and visitors to the Bavarian capital. It is a place with which people identify, one that is emotionally charged in a positive way and that unites history with the present, sport, culture, architecture, nature, and human connection. A place that is unique in this combination and must be protected and preserved for future generations.

The City of Munich has already made extensive investments in the preservation, expansion, and restoration of the Olympic Park to ensure the quality of the ensemble (renovation of the swimming hall, the tent roof, and the Olympic Tower). Renovation efforts require a careful approach that preserves the unique characteristics of the Olympic Park. The World Heritage title is intended to serve as a driving force for further sustainable commitment and additional investments in the building fabric, the park, and the overall concept.

The Olympic Park aims to become a World Heritage Site in order to further highlight its uniqueness and international appeal. For the city’s image, possessing such a World Heritage Site would be a significant asset.

There are hardly any comparable sites worldwide listed as UNESCO World Heritage. A sports venue as a living legacy from the second half of the 20th century would be a forward-looking contribution to the World Heritage List – one that could help modernize the image of the designation itself.