PHOTO : MUCA . EU /// PINAKOTHEK-DER-MODERNE . DE

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Munich might not be wellknown for its opera houses like Vienna or Milan , but the Bavarian State Opera is considered one of the finest in Europe . The theater , founded in 1653 , recently invited the famous conductor Vladimir Jurovski to take up the post of a director . The theater ’ s repertoire in 2021 includes Tosca by Giacomo Pucini , Il trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi , Carmen by Georges Bizet , The Nose by Dmitry Shostakovich , the ballet Jewels to the music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky , Igor Stravinsky and Gabriel Fauré , and other performances .

Munich is also a wonderful destination for fans of contemporary visual art , with several compelling places of interest . The Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art ( MUCA ), which celebrated its first five-year anniversary this year , introduces visitors to the latest trends in multimedia and street art and includes two exhibitions : at the museum itself and as part of an open-air gallery in the neighbouring area . Paintings , graphics , installations and graffiti by contemporary German and foreign artists await fortuitous visitors . Currently one of Banksy ’ s most ambitious works is on display .

The Pinakothek der Moderne brings together fine arts , expressionism and pop art , as well as applied art , architecture and graphics museums . The building of the museum has an attractive exterior with a twosphere rotunda and was built in 2002 by German architect Stefan Braunfels . You can view another rich collection of both old and contemporary German art in the Thomas private gallery . German expressionism and Bauhaus works , modern and pop art , and the works of talented young contemporary artists are showcased here .

Following this artistic feast for the eyes , how about a whole different but no less pleasing aesthetic ? Climb the 91-meter tower of St . Peter ’ s Basilica to get unbeatable views of the city ’ s rooftops and main square Marienplatz . This is the oldest parish Catholic church in Munich , whose roots trace back to the 11th century . By now you will have worked up an appetite , so make a beeline to the city ’ s ancient market , Viktualenmarkt , which has evolutionized into a popular market for gourmet fruits , vegetables and other foodstuffs . Full of hustle and bustle , it boasts a beer garden , a lot of stalls and shops serving delicious treats , and all kinds of interesting events such as public celebrity weighing and brewers ’ day .