Munich Festival of Lights
For the first time, the Festival of Lights brought its luminous magic to the Bavarian capital – and for a very special occasion. As part of IAA MOBILITY 2025, Munich joined the Festival of Lights family.
From 9 to 13 September 2025, between 8:00 and 11:00 p.m., selected facades in the heart of the city were transformed into breathtaking works of light art. Artistic projections invited visitors to take an evening stroll filled with wonder and inspiration.
Some of Munich’s most iconic buildings were in the spotlight:
Old Town Hall at Marienplatz, the Residenz at Odeonsplatz, and the Bavarian State Library on Ludwigstraße.
Old Town Hall:
At the historic Old Town Hall, we present a 10-minute 3D video mapping show featuring multiple visual experiences:
“Weave” transforms the Old Town Hall into a living canvas: delicate layers of fabric fold and shift, opening the space to surreal gestures and abstract forms. Through animated textures and transformations, the building reveals new dimensions – soft, otherworldly, and monumental. “Weave” explores the space between surface and structure, motion and stillness.
“Epochs of Art” – the façade of the building continuously transforms into a vibrant mosaic of art, featuring styles from the past, present, and future.
“Awaken Your Joy” – the listed Old Town Hall, including its tower, receives some animal visitors from popular LEGO Disney characters. We also marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s timeless art alongside the world’s most iconic fairytale castle. Presented by LEGO®.
The Residenz:
The facade of the Residenz at Odeonsplatz is staged with a world of diverse art styles.
“Journey through Architecture” – The show takes the audience on a journey through world architecture, spanning time and cultures. The building constantly transforms – from ancient temples and Gothic cathedrals to Baroque palaces, Indian Mughal styles, indigenous forms, and modern, futuristic designs.
“Urban Green Dreams” – Connecting Munich’s urban identity with the powerful and sensitive aspects of nature, the projections tell poetic stories where nature and urban landscape intertwine – from the origins of the Isar River, through the English Garden, to the diverse facets of a vibrant city. The building becomes a living landscape that organically transforms. It’s a visual experience that not only impresses but also emotionally connects with Munich’s relationship to nature.
In harmonious alignment with this, Messe München presents a forward-thinking video animation on the theme of Global Connectivity, and the Bavarian State Chancellery lets The Diversity of Bavaria shine.
Video mapping show “Journey through Architecture”
Video mapping show “Urban Green Dreams“
Video mapping show “Urban Green Dreams“
Video mapping show on the theme of Global Connectivity
Presented by Messe München GmbH
Video mapping show about the Diversity of Bavaria
Presented by the Bavarian State Chancellery
The State Library:
At the State Library, two artistic 3D video mappings come together to create a grand light artwork, complemented by a very special highlight:
“The Green Thread” – Everything is connected by the same green thread. The same thread that shapes the planet also outlines the silhouette of the human form. A fascinating visual metaphor of the ever-shrinking ball of yarn represents the finiteness of our natural resources.
“Sunflower Dream” – The sunflower is more than just a plant – it is a symbol. The sunflower always turns toward the light. Its characteristic behavior – orientation toward the sun – has made it a symbol of light, life, and warmth for centuries. In symbolism, it is associated with happiness, love, friendship, and loyalty.
LEGO® “Awaken Your Joy”: The State Library is staged in conjunction with IAA Mobility through a LEGO® vehicle show, further illuminated with a massive LEGO Botanicals flower show – all under the motto “Awaken Your Joy”. Presented by LEGO®.
Partners of the Festival of Lights Munich:
