WORLD CUP COMPANION EVENTS

Art meets football

Munich (München) has long seen itself as the secret football capital of Germany. And judging by its World Cup supporting programs, the white-sausage capital lives up to this claim - with something for everyone! Kids from 3 to 13 take part in football fun at the children's world on the Zirkusinsel in Olympia- park (starting June 6). Throughout the tournament at the city's Kinder- und Jugendmuseum, the hands-on exhibit "Fair Play - More Than Football" spotlights the sport's social side with fun and games. In Westpark, the youth culture project "Feierwerk" stages a four-week festival, during which kids experience music, theater and a media workshop. A comparable program attracts adults at the Tollwood Festival (June 15 to July 9) in Olympiapark, the official fan festival site featuring big-screen broadcasts of the games. Beginning May 30, the Kammerspiele ensemble takes on a ubiquitous subject in "Men - An Evening of Soccer Songs" in the Schauspielhaus. Art meets football is the motto for several events: Young designers present their fashion, photography and films in the Rathausgalerie (June 2 to July 9); visual artists interpret the World Cup media hype in the Galerie Lothringer13 (May 19 to July 9); and "master painters" compose contemporary art on asphalt in Kaufinger Strasse (May 30 to June 11). The Literaturarchiv Monacensia reflects the powerful influence of sports, even on "rational people," in the exhibition "SportsGeist. Dichter in Bewegung" (The Spirit of Sports: Poets in Motion; March 29 to Sept. 29). A highlight for night owls is the "Long Night of Sports" (July 2), when more than 140 clubs and companies showcase new trends under a starry sky. On the sidelines, the footballtechnology connection is the focus at the Deutsches Museum, where nano soccer, football robots and other innovations are on display during the tournament.

SIGHTS

HOFBRÄUHAUS

Am Platzl 9, Phone 089/290 13 60

Still Munich's number one international attraction. Although the venerable beer hall may be rowdy, the dining rooms are quiet and civilized.

ENGLISCHER GARTEN (ENGLISH GARDEN)

Access via Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1

A stroll through Munich's city park is the ideal antidote to World Cup stress. Order a liter mug at the Chinese Tower beer garden and watch the world go by.

PINAKOTHEK DER MODERNE

Barer Strasse 40, Phone 089/23 80 53 60

One of the largest museums in the world devoted to 20th and 21st century art, graphics, architecture and design, in a remarkable building created by architect Stephan Braunfels. Locals and tourists love it.

RESTAURANTS

TANTRIS

Johann-Fichte-Strasse 7, Phone 089/361 95 90

Lobster-red and truffle-black: Even after its recent makeover, the restaurant's 1970s-style charm remains intact. The revered gourmet temple now also lures younger folk with finger food in the lounge.

PUBS

SCHUMANN'S BAR AM HOFGARTEN

Odeonsplatz 6-7, Phone 089/22 90 60

Journalists, film stars, ladies out shopping and the just-plain-curious frequent this acclaimed eatery run by part-time model Charles Schumann. Wait to be seated!

NEKTAR

Stubenvollstrasse 1, Phone 089/45 91 13 11

Chill out, groove, relax and enjoy a different dining experience. The basement restaurant has two lounge bars and two dining rooms. You eat lying down on white couches.

SHOPPING

DALLMAYR

Dienerstrasse 14-15, Phone 089/21 35 0

Every purchase is a celebration in these hallowed halls. Munich's oldest purveyors of fine food are famous for their coffee.