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On 26 August 1972, the XX. Summer Olympic Games in Munich. Exactly 50 years later, the Bröhan Museum is opening a special exhibition dedicated to the iconic appearance of the Games. One of the most important graphic designers of the 20th century was in charge of the design: Otl Aicher (1922-1991), who would have turned 100 this year. This makes the year 2022 a double anniversary - the occasion for the wide-ranging show "Otl Aicher. Olympia 72". 



For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, Otl Aicher and his team developed a complete image under the slogan "the cheerful games", which still sets standards today and has actually remained unrivalled. Born in Ulm, he developed signs that everyone knows: stick figures symbolising the different sports, a telephone receiver symbol, a coffee cup indicating gastronomy - a graphic guidance system. 


Through a whole spectrum of exhibits, the exhibition allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the Olympics: Sports posters, bulletins and programme booklets are shown together with the mascot "Olympia Waldi", which has become legendary, tracksuits, hostess dirndls, souvenirs and much more. What they all have in common is an innovative visual language; the posters, in particular, played a major role in shaping the image with their formal language and luminosity. Lesser-known information graphics, such as city and site plans, as well as artists' prints contextualise this important contribution to the visual culture of the post-war period. The show is complemented by photographs documenting the construction of the Olympic Park and thus also outlining the creative awakening in architecture. With numerous loans from private and public collections, the Bröhan Museum aims to bring this unique event to life with its impressive visual language. 


The XX. Summer Olympic Games 1972 had a decisive impact on Munich. For the first time after the Second World War, a major international event took place in Germany - after the National Socialist Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936. The claim, the expectations, but also the euphoria were great to present oneself as a democratic and modern Federal Republic in conscious critical demarcation from one's own past. Particularly in the wake of the 1968 movement, there was a feeling of departure in the air; the Games were to be free and upbeat. The cheerful Games, but also the tragic assassination attempt on the Israeli Olympic team are firmly anchored in the collective memory.

Long Night of the Museums
Sat, 27 Aug, 6-02pm, excerpt from the programme:
20-22 hrs: Outdoor summer parkour.
9 pm: What does a dachshund have to do with sport? Curator's tour with Dr. Tobias Hoffmann 

Curator's tour
Sun, 16 Oct, 4 pm. The tour is free, plus admission 

Ménage à trois
One of our art experts will guide you and your companion exclusively through the exhibition. 1 h, 55,- € (Tue-Fri), 70,- € (Sat/Sun/Holiday), plus admission. Booking at info@broehan-museum.de or 030/32690600 

Bröhan Late
After the museum closes, at 6 pm, one of our art experts will guide you and up to 19 accompanying persons through the exhibition. 1 h, 200,- € (Tue-Fri), 250,- € (Sat/Sun/Holiday), booking at info@broehan-museum.de or 030/32690600
Additional information
Opening hours: Tue to Sun from 10 am to 6 pm and all public holidays