Munich, February 9, 2026 – The 73rd Magnolienball, a highlight of Munich’s social calendar and often regarded as the city’s answer to the Vienna Opera Ball, was held this past Saturday, February 7, at the prestigious Hotel Bayerischer Hof. The event, known for its glamour and tradition, once again drew a distinguished crowd of celebrities and political figures.
A Night of Tradition and High Society
Organized annually by the “Deutsch-Amerikanischer Frauenclub München e.V.”, this year’s black-tie ball featured the traditional procession of debutantes and debutants, alongside a special performance by the Schäffler dancers. The evening was a blend of classic elegance and charitable giving, with the focus on supporting local causes.
Prominent Guests Grace the Magnolienball
Andrea Hellmann, President of the “Deutsch-Amerikanischer Frauenclub München e.V.”, and organizer Ulrike Grimm welcomed a host of notable personalities. Among the attendees were Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria; Georg Eisenreich, Bavarian State Minister of Justice; and Clemens Baumgärtner, a candidate for Mayor of Munich. Also present were Italian Consul General Sergio Maffettone, networker Michaela Aschberger (from the “Belladonna” women’s network), and Patricia Riekel, Chairwoman of the “Tribute to Bambi-Stiftung” foundation.
Charlotte Knobloch Praises Event’s Charitable Success
Long-time attendee Charlotte Knobloch lauded the ball’s consistent philanthropic achievements. “I come almost every year. It’s a very important ball because the guests here are very generous, and the ball is a financial success every year,” she stated. This year, the event presented a donation check of 10,000 Euros to the non-profit organization “Münchner für Münchner”, underscoring its commitment to the community.
Ministers and Consuls Share Their Enthusiasm
Before the much-anticipated debutante dance to Viennese waltz melodies, greetings were extended by Bavarian State Minister of Justice Georg Eisenreich, followed by a speech from Dr. James Miller, the acting US Consul General in Munich. Eisenreich, a seasoned ball-goer, expressed his fondness for the event: “I always attend three to four balls, and this is now the fourth ball of the season – after the Black and White Ball, the Narhalla Ball, and the Filserball. Each ball has its own character. I always enjoy coming here because it’s a wonderful commitment from the German-American Women’s Club and always a beautiful, relaxed, and elegant ball.”
The Origin of the Magnolienball Name
The ball’s unique name stems from the magnolia, the symbolic flower of the “Deutsch-Amerikanischer Frauenclub e.V.”. The tradition began in 1951 when Chester Wright, the former president of the German-American Men’s Club in Munich, arranged for fresh magnolias to be flown in from the US state of Georgia, thus christening the event. Networker Michaela Aschberger, attending the ball with a group of women for the first time, shared her delight: “I love magnolias, my favorite flowers.” Organizer Ulrike Grimm celebrated her tenth anniversary with the ball, emphasizing its special character: “The Magnolienball is a very elegant ball where women are at the center. And that’s exactly what makes the spirit of it.”
Mayoral Candidate Baumgärtner Navigates Ball Season and Campaign
The male attendees were equally enthusiastic. Clemens Baumgärtner, a candidate for Mayor of Munich, is a dedicated ball enthusiast. “I used to be with the Narhalla and attended 20 balls per season; now it’s five to six,” he commented. For Baumgärtner, the ball season also serves as campaign season, with only four weeks remaining until the election. He appeared in good spirits, noting, “The feedback is very positive.”
The Magnolienball continues to be a cherished tradition in Munich, combining social elegance with meaningful charitable contributions, and providing a platform for both celebration and civic engagement.
