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A walk through the vibrant Glockenbachviertel is sure to yield some surprises …. but seeing a Freddie Mercury Pissoir In Munich ? Well, that’s a whole new level of surprise.
But make no mistake – this beautifully mustached piece of graffiti is more than just a fun piece of street art – it’s 1/3 of a quiet tribute to some of the district’s most famous residents.
Take a 360 loop around and you’ll also come face to face with a young Albert Einstein (almost unrecognizable in his youthfulness) and famous German filmmaker, Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
Yes, believe it or not, all three did at some point call the Glockenbachviertel home.
These three portrait panels are part of The Pissoir, a (city-approved) art project that immortalizes some of the Glockenbach’s most prominent guest stars. The method? None other than painting their famous mugs atop an out-of-use Klohäusl (which, according to SZ, was built in 1900 and has the unique honor of being Munich’s only cast iron octagon).
Spearheaded by local writer/artist Martin Arz, along with Thomas Zufall (owner of Cafe-Bar München 72), the Pissoir seeks to cast a spotlight on some of the Glockenbachviertel’s most famous residents, individuals whose connection with the neighborhood may not be known to most passerbyers.
With the help of the design team “Graphism”, the two brought this vivid vision to life after years of planning and approvals, bringing a pop of colour and whimsy to the quiet Holzplatz.
The Three Stars Connection To Glockenbachviertel
So who are these three men that are painted on the Pissoir? Odds are you know them already, but here’s how they are connected to Munich’s precious Glockenbach:
- Freddie Mercury: Famed Queen frontman Freddie Mercury lived in Munich for several years, once calling the Glockenbach’s Pestalozzistraße home. He also famously filmed a music video and had a big birthday bash at the Paradiso Tanzbar nearby. Click here to learn more about Freddie’s time in Munich.
- Albert Einstein: The name of Nobel Laureate, Albert Einstein is one synonymous with intelligence itself, so locals might be pleased to know that he did in fact get his early schooling in Munich, particularly at the Petersschule in Sendlinger Tor and the Luitpoldgymnasium on Müllerstraße. Fun fact: he also once worked screwing in lightbulbs at Oktoberfest! Click here to read other fun facts about Munich you might not have known.
- Rainer Werner Fassbinder: Famous Bavarian filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder was a household name in German cinema throughout the 60s and 70s. In the Glockenbachviertel, he called Reichenbachstrasse 12 home and also developed his concept of “antitheater” while working in a local theatre in the 60s.
The Pissoir In Munich: Basic Info
Wanting to see the Pissoir for yourself? Here’s what you need to know.
Where to find it: Holzplatz (in front of the restaurant München 72)
Hours: None, the installation is located on public grounds and is accessible at all hours of the day
Pissing potential: Nope! This beauty hasn’t been used as an actual toilet for decades now, so don’t even think about it…
Any Other Hidden Gems Like The Freddie Mercury Pissoir In MunichWe Should Add to the List?
Let us know in the comments! or head over and browse our other articles about hidden gems in Munich!
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically folks dont discuss these issues. To the next! All the best!!