Münchner Stadtmuseum seeks US memorabilia
Call for Memorabilia Relating to the US Presence in Munich (1945-1990s)
Collection appeal
The presence of the United States in Munich after World War II left a lasting mark on the city’s military, political, social, and cultural landscape. A vivid example of this chapter in Munich’s history is the "Ami-Siedlung" (American housing area) in Perlacher Forst. Built in the 1950s to accommodate US military personnel and their families, it became the center of a vibrant American community nestled within the heart of Munich.
The American neighborhood — with its schools, movie theaters, stores, clubs, and cultural events —was an integral part of daily life for U.S. families stationed in the city. At the same time, it fostered lasting bonds between the American community and Munich residents. Although the U.S. Army withdrew from Munich in the 1990s, this era remains a vivid part of the city’s collective memory. Some former service members and their descendants still live in Munich today, while others who have returned to the United States continue to maintain strong connections with the city.
The Münchner Stadtmuseum is conducting research into the history of Americans living in Munich and their interactions with the local population from 1945 through the 1990s. As part of this project, we warmly invite you to contribute objects that reflect the American influence on Munich’s cultural life—we would love to tap into your recollections!
Now it's time to share your memories!
We are reaching out to former residents of the American housing areas, their families, and anyone who was involved with the US community in Munich to help preserve this unique chapter of our city’s past. We are looking for personal mementos, everyday items, and documents from the period between 1945 and the 1990s. These materials may become a cherished part of the museum’s collection, future exhibitions, and ongoing research.
Materials requested include:
- Photographs and home film footage
- Items of clothing (e.g. T-shirts, school blazers, sports jerseys, parts of uniforms)
- Yearbooks and other school-related materials from American schools in Munich
- Community event programs, wearables (such as ribbons, pins, awards, patches, badges), and banners
- Any other object that reflects American social life in Munich during this period
We also warmly welcome memorabilia related to:
- Munich American High School
- Elementary School
- The University of Maryland (Munich campus)
- The "Little Oktoberfest"
- Daily life on base, such as at McGraw Barracks or in the “Ami-Siedlung”
- Community life shared by longtime and more recent Munich residents
Do you have any memorabilia you would like to contribute to the Münchner Stadtmuseum’s collection? Would you like to learn more about our project?
Please do not hesitate to contact Karolina Novinšćak Kölker and Dr. Simon Goeke at E-Mail: ushistory(at)muenchen.de
Plan Your Visit
Opening hours
Interim exhibition What the City. Perspectives of Munich in the former armory
Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 7pm
Free Admission
Filmmuseum München – Screenings
Tuesday / Wednesday 6.30 pm and 9 pm
Thursday 7 pm
Friday / Saturday 6 pm and 9 pm
Sunday 6 pm
The rest of the museum is currently closed due to the general refurbishment.
Contact
St.-Jakobs-Platz 1
80331 München
Phone +49-(0)89-233-722370
E-Mail stadtmuseum(at)muenchen.de
E-Mail filmmuseum(at)muenchen.de
Cinema ticket reservation Phone +49-(0)89-233-724150