The Pinakothek der Moderne is expanding its offering with an innovative “third place”. The temporary installation FLUX, designed by British artist Morag Myerscough, will offer an open, interactive space for exchange, culture and recreation from the end of June 2025. Made possible by the Pinakothek der Moderne Foundation, FLUX will be a permanent feature of the Kunstareal for five years. The combination of art, architecture and social interaction makes this place an exciting innovation for Munich and its cultural landscape.
FLUX is more than just an architectural installation. It is a low-threshold venue that is independent of the museum’s opening hours and combines art and everyday life. In addition to a gastronomic offer, various cultural events are also planned. The winter garden of the Pinakothek der Moderne invites people with different backgrounds, needs and concerns to linger in its winter garden with a walk-in interactive installation. The installation is intended to be a feel-good place for everyone and invite dialog and interaction. The initiators hope that cultural life in the heart of the city will be sustainably integrated into people’s everyday lives.
The concept is based on the idea of the Fluxus movement of the 1960s, which saw art as an open, participatory process. Accordingly, FLUX is not just a physical space, but an invitation to actively shape and interact with the neighborhood.
The internationally renowned artist Morag Myerscough was selected from 18 invited applicants by representatives of the four museums and the Pinakothek der Moderne Foundation. The artist’s works are characterized by powerful colors, geometric patterns and a participatory approach. With FLUX, she is creating a temporary sculpture that seamlessly connects the interior and exterior spaces of the Pinakothek der Moderne’s conservatory and will be accessible.
Myerscough describes her vision as follows: “A place full of color where you can let your imagination run wild, fill your heart with joy, offer limitless possibilities and create new spaces.” This artistic intervention turns visitors into participants and relies on a collaborative concept that actively involves the community.
FLUX will be realized as a two-storey, walk-in sculpture in the Pinakothek’s winter garden. Seating areas invite people to linger together, while various platforms and terraces offer a wide range of uses. Outside, pavilions with raised terraces, a kitchen garden and multifunctional elements such as ramps, platforms and play areas for children and families will be created.
A central aspect of FLUX is the involvement of the community. Even before the opening, open workshops are planned in which the artist will develop colors, patterns and shapes for the space together with interested parties. This participatory design underlines the inclusive character of the project.
The project is sponsored by the Pinakothek der Moderne Foundation on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. The project is also supported by the Thomas Kirch Foundation and the Kirch Foundation. Dr. Markus Michalke, Chairman of the Board of the Pinakothek der Moderne Foundation, emphasizes: “Together with the four museums, we want to create a place that invites everyone to come together. A public place as part of the museum, where everyone should feel welcome and comfortable.”
The directors of the four museums of the Pinakothek der Moderne also see FLUX as a significant extension of the museum: “We are extending the Pinakothek der Moderne beyond the building into the public space to create a new, attractive and colorful place for everyone. It is intended to take the experience of the Pinakothek der Moderne to a new level. (…) Its low-threshold orientation will further open it up to urban society and revitalize the designated area. We are very much looking forward to the opening in 2025, a year of special joint projects for the further development of the Pinakothek der Moderne, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Neue Sammlung.”
FLUX offers a versatile platform for cultural events. Readings, discussions, performances and music events are planned, linking the four collection areas of the Pinakothek. In addition to these events, happenings and hands-on formats are also planned to further deepen the interaction between visitors and art. With these offers, FLUX will be available all year round. The collective “This Is Really Happening”, behind which Michi Kern, Lissie Kieser and Gregor Wöltje stand, will provide conceptual support for the FLUX project.
In workshops, visitors will have the opportunity to develop creative elements for FLUX together with Myerscough. The official opening is planned for the evening of June 26, 2025. An extensive festival weekend from 27 to 29 June 2025 during the will inaugurate this “third place” with a diverse program that will include workshops, live music, discussions and performances.
FLUX will thus create a unique place that combines art, architecture and social interaction. The installation by Morag Myerscough stands for a new, open understanding of museums as places of dialog and community. Thanks to its low-threshold design and participatory concept, FLUX will be a lively meeting place for everyone who wants to experience art in a new dimension.
