The Long Night of Architecture, a much anticipated supporting program at the upcoming BAU 2015 will enable participants to experience the architecture of Munich in the glow of the night. BAU is the world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials and systems.

Taking place for the third time, BAU: The Long Night of Architecture will feature both classic favourites as well as new constructions, and will offer architecture buffs a choice of three tours of Munich’s most beautiful and interesting buildings.

To be held on Friday, January 23, 2015, the event is a chance for BAU participants as well as the people of Munich to take a look behind the scenes at 50 select buildings and experience their architecture at night. The 2013 event drew over 20,000 people to the night-time tours and a similar number is expected in 2015.

50 buildings, eleven routes

Eleven routes, each one colour-coded, will cover a total of 50 buildings in Munich. The organisers have arranged for free shuttle buses to operate on these routes, enabling visitors to hop on and hop off at any time. Routes will cross at certain junctions, allowing people to combine different tours. Architecture students inside the buses will be giving information about the buildings on the tour. Additionally, two walking routes in the inner city are also part of the event.

Munich from above and below

New buildings on the program this year include the Bavarian Parliament, the headquarters of Siemens on Wittelsbacherplatz, the Neo-Apostolic Church of Laim, the Kare cogeneration plant and Deutsche Flugsicherung (Air Traffic Control) at Munich Airport. The HVB Tower, Munich’s highest building at present, is also a highlight on the program of the Long Night of Architecture with the night-time atmosphere of this building enhanced still further by an installation by Berlin-based light artist Philipp Geist. The Light House Osram is also opening its doors to visitors on the evening of January 23.

Guided tours for BAU exhibitors and visitors

In addition to the tours open to the general public, there are guided tours with a fixed program for BAU exhibitors and visitors. These include six VIP tours, each with a different theme; all tours will start at the exhibition centre.

Opening of the Long Night of Architecture in the Egyptian Museum

The opening ceremony for the Long Night of Architecture will take place in the Museum of Egyptian Art, and will also feature a photographic exhibition of the best photos entered for the Facebook competition on ‘The Future of Building’.

The Long Night of Architecture is organised by Messe München International in cooperation with the City of Munich and the Bavarian government.