Company History – Where We Come From
The history of Münchner Kultur GmbH begins long before its current form: with the "Münchner Stadtmagazin" (Munich City Magazine), which served as one of the city's most important cultural guides for many years and was published by avanti Verlags GmbH.
In 1993, Ralf Gabriel, who had previously worked for the Nuremberg City Magazine, took over the management of the Münchner Stadtmagazin and decisively shaped its direction. He was best known for his large strides – both literally and figuratively: As a tall man, his long stride was particularly noticeable, but in his entrepreneurship, he also stood for clear ideas, determination, and the firm will to "make a difference" in Munich. His goal was to bring culture closer to those who had previously had little contact with it.
In 1999, to mark the city magazine's tenth anniversary, Ralf Gabriel developed the idea for a unique nighttime museum event. The first "Long Night of Munich Museums" was born – and instantly became an overwhelming success. The near-overflowing Odeonsplatz became a key moment, and deeply moved, Ralf Gabriel shared a now-legendary sentence with his staff: "Look, these are all our people."
In 2000, prompted by employee ideas and inspired by the Paris Street Music Festival, the second major event was created: "The Long Night of Music." On a Saturday in spring, Munich became the backdrop for a night full of music, encounters, and cultural diversity.
The city magazine continued to run in parallel until 2001, but the Long Nights quickly gained significance. In 2001, the logical next step followed: avanti Verlags GmbH was renamed Münchner Kultur GmbH – a clear commitment to its future as a cultural event organizer with the ambition to constantly take on new projects and challenges.
As early as 2005, David Boppert began his journey at Münchner Kultur GmbH. Initially working as a scout for the events, then as an intern, and later as a team member in various departments, he gradually took on increasingly responsible roles.
Since 2021, David Boppert has been leading Münchner Kultur GmbH as Executive Director and Partner – continuing to develop its formats in the spirit of the core values that have characterized the company from the very beginning: openness, networking, and cultural curiosity.
Ralf Gabriel (left) and David Boppert (right)
Our Projects
The Long Night of Munich Museums Every third Saturday in October, Munich's museums, collections, galleries, churches, and many special locations invite you on a nighttime stroll through art, culture, science, and technology. The wide range of offerings, the diversity, and the late-night atmosphere are what make this special kind of museum visit so appealing. In addition to the ongoing exhibitions, numerous special programs, attractions, and guided tours draw in the crowds.
The Long Night of Music In spring, Munich celebrates one of the biggest live music events of the year, "The Long Night of Music." True to the motto "One Night – One City – 400 Concerts," over 100 venues invite visitors to enjoy live music, dance, and theater, always on a Saturday in late April or early May. Participants include major concert halls, theaters, and ensembles, as well as cultural centers, restaurants, pubs, dance schools, clubs, bars, and many places where music takes center stage.
Munich's Gastronomy Guide "DelikatEssen – Going Out in Munich" For 30 years, DelikatEssen has been Munich's restaurant and nightlife guide for anyone needing advice and recommendations when choosing a place to eat – from (fine dining) restaurants, traditional taverns, bars, cafes, and pubs to trendy hotspots. DelikatEssen – a magazine just like this city: attractive, cheerful, easy-drinking, moody (like the Föhn wind), grumpy, wise, and profound.
MünchnerStiftungsFrühling (MSF) What exactly does a foundation do, how can you get involved, and what would the city look like without their work? The "MünchnerStiftungsFrühling" (Munich Foundation Spring) explores these and many other questions, showing where foundations are at work all over the city. Whether in education or social issues, art or culture, science, health or sports, the environment or international affairs – foundations serve a variety of causes that enrich our city and our lives.
MünchnerStiftungsTag (MST) - By Foundations for Foundations The "MünchnerStiftungsTag" (Munich Foundation Day) builds on the success of the MSF and offers a forum for the foundation family every two years, alternating with the MSF. True to the motto "Exchange – Network – Educate," it provides a strong platform for dialogue, getting to know one another, and networking, alongside a program of lectures and workshops. The selection of topics is always highly relevant and tailored to the needs of the foundation world. All interested foundation employees and foundation-related partners and organizations are welcome.
Association of Munich Cultural Event Organizers (VDMK) The VDMK now has its office at Münchner Kultur GmbH. For 25 years, the association has represented venue operators, concert and cultural event organizers, and event agencies from a wide variety of sectors, all sharing the goal of further developing Munich as a vibrant cultural metropolis with a diverse range of events. The members of the VDMK e.V. welcome more than 3 million visitors to their events every year.
Our Strengths - Your Opportunity
We creatively connect existing elements to create something new: new events, new networks, new forums. In this way, many Munich institutions meet for the first time or in a different context – the audience discovers things anew or in a different light, and our partners tap into new target groups and networks.
Münchner Kultur GmbH
Giselastraße 4/Rgb. 80802 Munich
Executive Board: David Boppert
david.boppert@muenchner.de
Phone: 089 30 61 00 - Ext. 43
www.muenchner.de