Munich’s Mathäser Cinema Faces Potential Demolition, Shocking Film Industry
Munich, February 7 – The Mathäser Filmpalast in Munich, a major draw for audiences and a crucial venue for the German film industry, is facing the possibility of demolition. The news has sent shockwaves through the filmmaking community and among cinema-goers. The property owner has revealed new plans for the site, prompting concerns about the future of the iconic cinema.
Uncertain Future for a Cinematic Landmark
The Mathäser cinema has been a fixture in Munich since 1957, with its current multiplex building opening in 2003. It is renowned as the most visited cinema in Germany, hosting numerous premieres for films such as “Checker Tobi,” “Extrawurst,” and “Pumuckl.” The prospect of its closure has left both the public and filmmakers dismayed.
Filmmakers Express Dismay and Concern
The potential demise of the Mathäser has elicited strong reactions from prominent figures in the German film industry. Simon Verhoeven, director of the recently released film “Ach, diese Lücke, diese entsetzliche Lücke,” expressed his shock at the premiere, stating, “I have known the Mathäser since my childhood, and it has such great importance and charisma for the cinema culture in Munich. It would be a catastrophe, there’s no other way to put it.”
Actress and director Karoline Herfurth also voiced her concern, noting the cinema’s historical significance: “For me, the Mathäser is naturally associated with an incredible amount of history. I have experienced so many of my first premieres here.”
Oscar-winning Munich director Caroline Link echoed these sentiments, calling it a “real catastrophe.” She emphasized the importance of a multiplex cinema in the city center, stating, “I think there must be such a multiplex cinema in the city center; that is very important.”
Owner’s Plans for a ‘Mixed-Use Urban Quarter’
The widespread concern stems from the revelation that the property owner, Zurich Immobilien Deutschland AG & Co. KG, has new plans for its centrally located plot between Stachus and the main train station. A building application was submitted to the city of Munich in December. While the owner remains tight-lipped about the specifics, they confirmed the plans, stating that the application is “a first, very early step to explore possible uses of the property with the city.”
The current Mathäser complex houses 14 cinema screens along with several shops and service providers. The owner envisions a “mixed-use urban quarter,” which would entail more residential units, more commercial spaces, and potentially less, if any, cinema presence.
Concerns from the Bavarian Film Funding Committee
This development has also caused unease within the Bavarian film funding committee, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern. Dorothee Erpenstein, who heads the committee, highlighted the Mathäser’s unique role: “We have several good cinemas in Munich, but the Mathäser, with its many screens and good technical equipment, can bring big films to a large audience. And secondly, industry events take place here, which is also important for Bavaria as a film location.”
Lease Agreement Until 2033 Offers Temporary Reprieve
Gregory Theile, the tenant of the Mathäser cinema and part of the Kinopolis Management Multiplex GmbH, which operates 19 cinemas across Germany, holds a lease agreement for the Mathäser for another eight years, until 2033. This means that for now, operations will continue as usual. Despite this, Theile expressed concern but remains hopeful: “I hope that perhaps there will be a rethink, either on the part of the landlord or the investor. I also believe that the city has an interest in the Mathäser continuing to exist as an attraction in the city center.”
The Mayor of Munich was unavailable for comment due to scheduling conflicts, leaving the city’s decision on the building application uncertain.
Sustainability Concerns Regarding Demolition
Even if the building were to be replaced in 2033 at the earliest, questions arise regarding the sustainability of demolishing and rebuilding a structure that is only 23 years old. Caroline Link raised this point, stating, “I find it a real shame in terms of sustainability to tear down such a completely functional, relatively new building again. I hope that doesn’t happen.”
Regardless of the outcome, the future of one of Germany’s most important cinemas remains uncertain.
