When Munich welcomes visitors to munich creative business week from May 10 to 18, the city will be transformed into a festival for design, forward thinking and creative encounters. With over 150 events on the program, it's hard to make a decision. We from Grafikmagazin have clicked through, read in, exchanged recommendations - and put together our personal highlights for you. Ten program items that we don't want to miss:
It all starts with DIVE'25, the first Federal Design Congress, which will take place at Fat Cat Munich from May 8 to 10. Under the motto "Designing Impact, Value and Evolution", over 80 experts from design, politics, business and society will come together to talk about the role of design in change. Panels, keynotes and workshops will deal with topics such as design policy, sustainability and social change. Our editor-in-chief Christine Moosmann will also be taking part in a panel discussion on May 10 at 11 a.m. on the topic of "The image in public discourse". More info and tickets
Another favorite is the "Ocean of Minds" installation by Munich-based studio etcorporate, in which visitors create a mobile of thoughts, ideas and visions together over the course of the week - an invitation to participate, reflect and create. Anyone who wants to let off steam creatively and become part of a growing work of art should drop by at Theresienstraße 112 (Rgb) between May 10 and 18. All details about the event
The mcbw pop up in the FÜNF HÖFE is completely different, but just as collaborative. Together with Collective Paper Aesthetics and the LEONHARD KURZ Foundation, an impressive 3D paper installation made of heart-shaped folded modules is being created here. Under the artistic direction of Noa Haim, visitors can help build it every day and experience how the artwork changes over the course of the week. For us as paper lovers, this is of course also a real aesthetic highlight. To the event
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Rennsalon at Baldestraße 13 will open its doors from 18:00 to 22:00 for an evening of design, democracy and dialog. The World Design Capital Frankfurt RheinMain 2026 invites visitors to an interactive event where they can gain an insight into the program for the year 2026. A special highlight is the WDC format "Drinks for Democracy": simple questions are written on colorful beer mats to encourage reflection and discussion. For every question answered, there will be a refreshment - a playful approach to encourage discussion about the role of design in society. Registration is not required, admission is free. All details here.
Are you traveling with children? A special highlight for all design fans young and old is the "Design Workshop for Kids", which will take place on Friday, May 16, from 2:30 to 6:00 pm in the Fritz Hansen showroom at Damenstiftstraße 6. Under the creative guidance of artist Steffi Bauer (whom Grafikmagazin already know from the cover of issue 01.25 "Typography" ), children will have the opportunity to design their own ideas and personalize unique creations. The workshop offers a playful introduction to the world of design and encourages the creativity of the young participants. Registration is required, admission is free of charge. Here are all the details.
A recommendation from the "Design meets discourse" section is the talk "Creative Synergies: Design as a community builder" on May 10 at the KHOR agency, which you may have already discovered in the current Grafik+ "Design for SMEs". In a relaxed atmosphere, Felix Flemmer (ZIRKA), Anja Lekavski, Dr. Andrea Lissoni (Haus der Kunst) and Lisa Lou Kuhn, among others, will discuss creative networks, communities and how design can become an engine for change. The evening will be moderated by Moritz Gaudlitz (Culture Shifts) and Alena Mayer (Caldo Worldwide). Registration is required, admission is free. Click here to register.
On May 15, VOITED, Habitus and REALLY REALLY NICE invite you to an open community design workshop at Home Offfice - a charming creative office in Holzstraße that we at Grafikmagazin really like and have known in part since our Ruffinihaus days. Under the motto "No fear of white space", visitors are invited to work together to create a symbolic image for mcbw's 2025 motto "Design a Vibrant Community". Whether brush, paper and collage material or rather screen and stylus - you can work analog or digital, just as the mood takes you. During the day from 10 am to 4 pm, people will be designing, snipping, drawing and discussing. In the evening from 6 p.m., the doors open to all curious visitors: The resulting works will then be shown and discussed - and can be voted for online! The three favorites will later actually be produced - as a VOITED design or as a DIY work of art by Habitus. We think: A great format that shows how creative community can be - and how design brings people together. All information here.
In between, a daily caffeine intake is a real must - how about a morning coffee at nunc? Over breakfast you can meet other creatives, have your first inspiring conversations or start the day - which will be full of input anyway - in peace with a croissant. For all those who love excellent coffee. To nunc.
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the BECC Agency invites you to a special evening in its new community space "ISARWINKEL" at Isarwinkelstraße 16 from 5 pm. In a relaxed atmosphere with a barbecue, drinks and conversation, the focus will be on community and genuine exchange. Under the motto "The art of connecting and the inestimable value of community", BECC Agency Managing Directors Sabine Kraus, Metin Seyrek, Leif Geuder and Creative Director Steffi Nestler will share their experiences and insights on topics such as employer branding, brand experiences and collaboration at eye level. An evening for all those who believe that design is more than aesthetics - namely a connecting element in an increasingly digital world. All information here.
And finally, our insider tip: on May 16, J*GAST invites you to a very special evening. At "Kitchen Stories", the kitchen becomes a thinking space - three parallel discussion rounds will focus on enjoyment, culture, craftsmanship and music. The participants include Ana Relvao, Mike Meiré, Dr. Angelika Nollert, Guido Walter, Susan Mac Kenzie and many more. An evening for all the senses, hosted by our deputy head chef Sonja Pham. To the registration
We look forward to meeting you at mcbw 2025 - to listen, have your say and help shape the future.
Click here for the review of mcbw 2024 and great highlights from last year
You can find the entire mcbw 2025 program here.
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