Exhibition UMBAU. Nonstop Transformation // Nov 13 - Dec 7, 2025 - Architekturgalerie München // Opening - Nov 13, 2025, 7:00 pm
UMBAU. Nonstop Transformation
gmp Exhibition Opens at Architekturgalerie München
From November 13 to December 7, the exhibition UMBAU. Nonstop Transformation will be on view at Architekturgalerie München. Following Venice, Hamburg, Berlin, New York, and Shanghai, Munich is the sixth stop of the traveling exhibition by von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp). The scope, project selection, and thematic focus of the exhibition evolve continuously, reflecting both the current state of gmp’s renovation projects and the specific context of each venue. In Munich—where gmp has maintained an office since April—two local projects take center stage: Gasteig HP8 with the Isarphilharmonie and Hall E, and the European Patent Office.
© Florian Holzherr
UMBAU (conversion) has been a theme in gmp’s work for fifty years. More than sixty renovation projects have been completed to date, with over thirty currently under construction or at the design stage. At Architekturgalerie in Munich, nine current examples are presented in detail. These include the Berlin Olympic Stadium (renovated in 2004), the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid (2024), the Alsterschwimmhalle in Hamburg (2023), the Hyparschale in Magdeburg (2024), the Berlin State Library at the Kulturforum (since 2019), the Pressehaus at Alexanderplatz in Berlin (2024), and the Kulturpalast Dresden (2017).
© Henning Koepke
The exhibition uses film, models, and drawings to illustrate the stages of transformation—from the original condition through the building process to today’s use. At its heart are the two Munich projects: Gasteig HP8, with the Isarphilharmonie concert hall and the heritage-listed Hall E, opened in Sendling in 2021. The modular timber concert hall and the renovated former transformer hall form an ensemble that has established itself as a vibrant cultural venue within Munich’s city life. The European Patent Office, completed in 1980 by gmp as the first European authority headquartered in Germany, has been listed as a historic monument since 2022. Over four decades of use, the building on the banks of the River Isar has been repeatedly adapted to meet new requirements. gmp is currently designing the renovation of its façades while operations continue.
© Florian Holzherr
The growing importance of building renovation and conversion in China is addressed in a dedicated presentation featuring films of gmp`s Chinese transformation projects, including the National Museum of China, the Chao Hotel and Jing IN International Center in Beijing, and the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts.
© Henning Koepke
Taken together, the examples shown illustrate gmp’s architectural approach to building transformation: concepts are developed through a comprehensive investigation of existing structures to ensure their continued contemporary use. At its core, the process is always about reactivating the existing building in all its diversity. Even the exhibition space itself is on the verge of transformation: following the gmp exhibition, the “Blumenbunker” of Architekturgalerie München will close for upcoming renovation work.
© Florian Holzherr
In connection with the exhibition, two events invite visitors to exchange ideas and perspectives on building renovation: At UMBAU in Dialogue on November 20, 2025, Enrico Sobejano (Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos), Uta Graff (Munich Technical University), and Stephan Schütz (gmp) will discuss the topic, moderated by Katharina Matzig. On November 26, 2025, gmp and DBZ will present the issue “Bauen im Bestand” (Building in Existing Contexts, 11/2025).
© Henning Koepke
As guest editors, Stephan Schütz and Christian Hellmund of gmp have selected projects representing diverse approaches to building renovation and will discuss them with Elke Reichel (Reichel Schlaier Architects), Florian Götze (Wandel Lorch Götze Wach), and Nikolaj Rahbek Ernst (Mikkelsen Arkitekter), moderated by Benedikt Kraft. Both events will begin with a guided tour of the exhibition.
© Henning Koepke
Curated by: Stephan Schütz with Detlef Jessen-Klingenberg
Curatorial Advisor and Editor: Florian Heilmeyer
Exhibition
November 13 to December 7, 2025
Wed. to Fri. 3pm to 7pm,
Sat. to Sun. 12pm to 7pm
Admission free
Architekturgalerie München im Bunker
Blumenstrasse 22, 80331 Munich
Program supporting the exhibition
UMBAU im Dialog
November 20, 2025
6pm guided tour
7pm panel discussion with:
Katharina Matzig, Bavarian Chamber of Architects, , Journalist (moderation)
Uta Graff, Chair of Architectural Design and Conception, TU Munich
Enrique Sobejano, Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos
Stephan Schütz, gmp · Architekten von Gerkan, Marg and Partners
Building in Existing Contexts – Panel discussion
November 26, 2025
6pm Guided tour through the exhibition
7pm Panel discussion hosted by gmp and DBZ; speakers:
Benedikt Kraft, Vice-editor-in-chief DBZ (moderation)
Elke Reichel, Reichel Schlaier Architects
Florian Götze, Wandel Lorch Götze Wach
Nikolaj Rahbek Ernst, Mikkelsen Arkitekter
Stephan Schütz and Christian Hellmund, gmp · von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects
For more details of UMBAU. Nonstop Transformation and supporting events please visit
https://umbau.gmp.de and
https://www.architekturgalerie-muenchen.de
Kindly supported by
ERCO
The exhibition includes the following projects :
