You may already know his mosaic artworks from cities like Paris, New York, London or Hong Kong. French street artist Invader has also installed numerous motifs across Munich. The works reference characters from the classic computer game Space Invaders. We set out to follow their trail.
Street Artist „Invader“ in Munich: 10 Works
In total, there are 18 locations in Munich where the French street artist Invader has seemingly left his mark overnight. Within the street art scene, the anonymous Paris-based artist is considered a legend – his pixel-style figures are a favourite photo subject.
For Munich, Invader also drew inspiration from local icons such as Brezn (traditional Bavarian pretzels), beer and the Münchner Kindl (the city’s symbolic figure). With his interventions in public spaces, Invader operates right on the edge of legality. As a result, some of his artworks are occasionally removed by building cleaning companies.
Most people, however, appreciate these small visual surprises. A word of warning to anyone thinking of prising the tiles off and taking them home: as Invader explains on his website, he uses a special adhesive and specially made tiles that break easily if you try to remove them.
Street Art Scavenger Hunt
If you fancy a city walk and want to discover Invader’s street art at the same time, all you need to do is wander through Munich with your eyes open. Our reporter presents 10 of the 18 motifs here. Using the free FlashInvaders app, you can upload photos of the artworks you’ve spotted and earn points in return – a bit like a scavenger hunt, or Pokémon Go for street art fans. Who will find all the Munich Space Invaders?
Alte Utting
The “Alte Utting” boat is a popular meeting place for all ages and the perfect spot for a relaxed after-work beer in the evening sun. Here, on the bridge beneath the ship, an Invader mosaic in the shape of a Brezn now looks down at visitors.
alte-utting.de
Lindwurmstüberl Inn
On the façade of the Lindwurmstüberl, a traditional inn located right by Goetheplatz, the artist has placed a Pac-Man figure and a beer. It’s a perfect match for the location – after all, the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place, is just around the corner. This motif is likely to feature in countless tourist photos during Wiesn (Oktoberfest) season. Tip: Don’t be put off by appearances – on fine days, the Lindwurmstüberl’s terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy Knödel (dumplings), beer and other Bavarian classics a little away from the bustle of Lindwurmstrasse. Prices are quite reasonable by Munich standards.
All 10 Invader Artworks in Full Size
Sendlinger Tor Gate
A Brezn and the Münchner Kindl now decorate Sendlinger Tor in classic Invader style. They’re best spotted if you approach the square from Sendlinger Strasse, pause briefly on Herzog-Wilhelm-Strasse to the right, and look up.
Schellingstraße
The small, red, pixelated creature is easy to miss if you do not know it is watching you from above. Fittingly, it is mounted on a grey wall above the “Amuseum of Contemporary Art” on Schellingstrasse, right in the heart of Munich’s university district.
Theresienstraße
Thanks to its size, this artwork is hard to overlook. It can be found on Theresienstrasse, on the façade of the former municipal heating plant, close to Museum Brandhorst and the Pinakotheken.
Gabelsbergerstraße
If you continue from Theresienstrasse through the Kunstareal, passing the Technical University of Munich and the University of Television and Film, you will eventually reach Gabelsbergerstrasse – where the next, fairly large Invader artwork is already waiting.
Rotkreuzplatz
Super Mario fans, take note: on the roof of the Cinque Panini kiosk at Rotkreuzplatz square you will find the “Jumping Piranha Plant” from the iconic 1980s video game. The kiosk sells pastries as well as hot and cold drinks, and on the square at the corner of Nymphenburgerstrasse and Ruffinistrasse there is also a public book exchange cabinet to browse.
Nymphenburg Palace
Particularly striking – and even featuring golden mosaics – is this Invader-style artwork on the bridge with views of Nymphenburg Palace. A fitting setting, given the palace’s grandeur. Sadly, it is clearly visible that someone has already attempted to remove the artwork or parts of it.
Viktualienmarkt
Back in the Old Town, at one of Munich’s most beautiful – and most popular – spots. In keeping with the Viktualienmarkt, Invader chose a very local motif here: a green apple and a Breze (pretzel). Once you have found the mosaic, reward yourself with a creative potato dish from “Caspar Plautz”, our Bavaria Insiders at the market.
Thalkirchner Straße / Glockenbach district
Glockenbachviertel is one of Munich’s liveliest neighbourhoods, full of bars and restaurants and always buzzing with activity. Everything here is a little more colourful than elsewhere in the city, and the LGBTQ+ community is firmly rooted through numerous initiatives. Invader has gifted the district a rainbow – or rather, a Space Invader speeding along on a rainbow.
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