Where is the memorial for Michael Jackson in Munich?
Michael Jackson – the King of Pop – occupied several suites at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof and stayed there several times starting in 1997 – where fans maintain a personal memorial to this day
The King of Pop's memorial at the base of the Orlando di Lasso memorial - the double monument for two heroes of music history (ENGLISH, DEUTSCH, ITALIANO, FRANÇAIS)
Munich. He made contemporary music history and remains unforgettable to this day: In 2009, Michael Jackson fans established a memorial site in Munich by declaring the base of the statue of the Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso a double memorial. Here, at the main entrance of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof on Promenadeplatz, Michael Jackson (1958-2009) walked the red carpet in 1997, together with Debbie Rowe and baby Prince Michael. Michael Jackson resided for three whole days in the hotel's Palais des Grafen Montgelas – to the right of the main entrance – which is commemorated by a huge silver sculpture in the small park in front of the hotel. The King of Pop occupied several suites here and was well guarded by security.
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| The palace of Count Montgelas – to the right of the main entrance of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof – which is commemorated by a huge silver sculpture in the park in front of the hotel - photo, Helga Waess |
We remember that fans stood in droves in front of the hotel playing Michael's music
... and then suddenly started screaming and cheering loudly. Michael Jackson had opened the window on the second floor and waved to the celebrating crowd. Everything was heavily guarded, and of course, Michael fans weren't banned from the first hotel on Promenadeplatz – security and hotel operations continued perfectly.
Michael Jackson liked the Hotel Bayerischer Hof as a residence in the city center
The 5-star hotel, whose history stretches back a long way, has welcomed many prominent contemporaries, state guests, and crowned heads as a grand hotel in the heart of Munich since the mid-19th century. The hotel was founded in 1841 at the request of the Bavarian King Ludwig I, who wanted a "royal" house to accommodate his guests from all over the world in a royal manner.
The King of Pop felt very comfortable at the Bayerischer Hof and enjoyed his stay in Munich – he returned several more times:
In the spring of 1998, he stayed for a full three weeks.
His purchases of toys at Obletter at Stachus and his purchases of books at Hugendubel are legendary. Once, Michael bought so many items that they had to be transported to California by container and ship. Michael Jackson enjoyed the trip with his son, Prince Michael, following in the footsteps of the Bavarian kings, visiting residences and castles, and the world-famous Circus Krone.
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| Base of the Michael Jackson Memorial in Munich in front of the Hotel Bayerischer Hof, photo: Helga Waess |
Michael Jackson threw memorabilia to fans from his rented palace
It's an incredible story that the King of Pop even signed his fine bed linens and threw them out the window to delight his fans. Sheets and pillows costing around 6,000 Deutschmarks fluttered across the sidewalk. "I love you!" was written on them.
The memorial monument on Promenadeplatz is cared for and maintained by the Michael Jackson Fan Association
Fresh flowers are placed there daily, and various photos are replaced or cleaned. The city council's offer to erect a statue of Michael Jackson in Munich's Olympic Stadium – where Michael gave his concerts – stands, but for the fans, the Bayerischer Hof belongs to Michael, a private citizen. Where hundreds of people waited until their idol appeared at the window, that's where they want to be remembered. Everyone flocked here when their idol died – without any prior agreement.
The most famous monument to Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, at the base of the Orlando di Lasso memorial in the heart of Munich
The Jackson fans' memorial has become the most famous memorial site for an entire modern generation in Munich.
It is one of the most visited memorials in Munich, and Michael Jackson fans from all over the world make a pilgrimage here during their visit to Munich to remember and send their selfies to distant continents.
...and some fans can even do the moonwalk on site –
Michael Jackson would have loved it!
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| Pedestal at the Di Orlando memorial with Michael Jackson memorabilia Photo: Helga Waess |
The Michael Jackson Monument is mentioned in travel guides and requested on city tours
And once at Promenadeplatz, you can also go to the roof of the Bayerischer Hof Hotel to enjoy a royal view of the state capital Munich with a coffee or to one of the hotel restaurants, such as Trader Vic's – where the King of Pop enjoyed Polynesian cuisine.
Article in the art-culture blog about the double monument for two heroes of music history - in this blog:
Michael Jackson and Orlando di Lasso revolutionized music history
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| Orlando di Lasso in Bronze über dem Granitsockel mit Devotionalien für Michael Jackson, München vor dem Hotel Bayerischer Hof, Foto: Helga Waess |
