Location
Muffatwerk is located in an area with major importance for the development of the city of Munich. In the course of a fierce power struggle between ”Heinrich der Löwe” (Henry the Lion, duke of Bavaria and Saxony) and the bishop of Freising, Henry the Lion destroyed a bridge named “Oberföhringer Isarbrücke” crossing the Isar river to the north to create a transportation route via the stream on his part. He constructed a solid bridge, approximately at the height of Muffatwerk, in place of a narrow ford - today’s “Ludwigsbrücke.” Solely by this means he was able to gain control over the salt trade between Munich and Augsburg. As a consequence of this, in 1158 he was awarded the rights to hold markets, mint and issue coins and to collect taxes by Emperor Barbarossa. In medieval times it was common to circulate own coins and to collect duties for the use of trade routes, in such locations where the most important items of trade like salt were marketed. Precisely this position of economic power facilitated the economic and cultural growth of the city of Munich.
Today, a complex of bridges crossing the Isar river, including “Ludwigsbrücke,” “Mariannenbrücke,” and “Kabelsteg” (one of the first bridges constructed of reinforced concrete) is located within eyeshot of Muffatwerk. This ensemble of bridges has been consistently amplified over the centuries, due to its importance regarding urban development, architecture and art history. Located on the opposing waterfront is the “Praterinsel” which is home to the “Alpines Museum” and the former liqueur factory Anton Riemerschmied. Bordering southbound is the “Museumsinsel” (housing the “Deutsches Museum”).
Directly adjacent to the beer garden of Muffatwerk sprawl sweeping gravel banks including the monumental dam of the “Prater” power plant and numerous bathing areas alongside the river. The mellow yellow Art Nouveau chimney of Muffatwerk is visible over a long distance - towering lofty above the dense and mature tree population of a lush urban meadow landscape.
In alliance with the “Deutsches Museum,” the biggest museum of science and technology in the world, the “Gasteig,” headquarters of the “Münchner Philharmoniker” (Munich Philharmonic), and “Müller’sches Volksbad” (a public indoor swimming pool built in Art Nouveau style), Muffatwerk is part of a vibrant scene of international entertainment, education, art, culture, and recreation in the smallest of places right in the heart of Munich.