In the heart of Munich, where authentic Bavarian traditions meet global modernity, stands Oberpollinger tall as an unmatched symbol of luxury. This commercial landmark is not merely a shopping destination—it is a living museum telling a story of over a century, where precise German craftsmanship harmonizes with the spirit of the times. With its Neo-Baroque façade and halls filled with the world’s finest brands, Oberpollinger offers an exceptional experience that transcends the concept of a traditional store, becoming a journey into a realm where luxury knows no bounds.
A Legacy of Elegance: The History That Made the Legend
Oberpollinger was founded in 1905 by merchant Hermann Oberpollinger, who began with a modest textile workshop on Neuhauser Straße, then Munich’s thriving commercial hub. Thanks to his sharp vision, Hermann transformed the workshop into the city’s first multi-department store, offering a wide range of fine fabrics and ready-to-wear clothing popular among the emerging Bavarian bourgeoisie.
The year 1913 marked a turning point when Hermann commissioned a grand building designed by architect Max Littmann, one of the era’s most prominent figures, making the store an unrivaled landmark. Neither world wars nor economic crises could halt its march toward greatness. In the aftermath of World War II, Oberpollinger reopened as a symbol of hope in a devastated Munich, maintaining its identity as a sanctuary of quality in a time of scarcity.
In the 1950s, the store joined the Karstadt retail network, becoming part of the “Karstadt Premium” chain for customers seeking distinction. Despite challenges in the last decade—including the bankruptcy of its former owner, Signa Holding—Oberpollinger remained steadfast, and today stands under the ownership of an investment group led by Nicolas Berggruen, redefining the meaning of luxury in the digital era.
Architecture: Where Heritage Meets Innovation
Oberpollinger overlooks Neuhauser Straße with a 20th-century façade, featuring vast glass windows framed by stunning stone carvings and statues depicting knights and dancing women—a tribute to Bavaria’s rich heritage. The true wonder lies inside, where the 2018 redesign achieves a precise balance between past and present.
The main atrium welcomes you with a white marble spiral staircase, surrounded by brass railings with botanical motifs. Large spaces are illuminated by crystal chandeliers from Swarovski, their light scattered like stars over Munich’s night. Each floor has its own character: the ground floor is dedicated to high-end women’s fashion, with dark wood shelving and velvet seating, while the upper floor transforms into the calm world of the VIP lounge, with luxurious leather sofas and windows overlooking the famous Marienplatz.
Attention to detail is remarkable: handcrafted crystal wood doors, Oriental carpets, and even the restrooms are decorated with golden patterns. Here, shopping is not just a purchase—it’s a sensory experience for the eyes, ears, and touch.
Treasures From Around the World: An Unmatched Brand Selection
Oberpollinger houses over 300 carefully curated international brands, reflecting the diverse taste of its discerning clientele. In the women’s fashion section, Gucci, Prada, and Chanel stand alongside lesser-known but equally exquisite labels like Max Mara from Italy and Akitu from Japan.
The men’s section offers rare suits crafted in London’s historic Savile Row, alongside accessories from Lamborghini and Montblanc.
Perhaps the most distinctive space is the perfume and beauty department—Europe’s largest at 800 m². Here, each brand has its own dedicated area: Dior’s salon resembles a French princess’s bedroom; Tom Ford offers a “custom fragrance” service tailored to your personality; and Chanel’s café allows you to enjoy a cappuccino while trying the latest makeup looks. The store even holds exclusive rights to limited editions like a Bavarian alligator leather Louis Vuitton bag, sold only in Munich.
Services Beyond Imagination: Where the Customer is King
At Oberpollinger, the word “impossible” doesn’t exist. The highly trained staff speak six languages and provide services that begin the moment you walk in with a greeting by name (if you’re part of the “Ober Club” loyalty program) and end with your purchase delivered to your hotel within two hours.
Notable services include:
- Personal shopper: Book a session with a fashion expert to create a complete look for a special occasion, using smart fitting rooms with digital mirrors.
- Instant alteration workshop: While you relax in the VIP lounge, tailors adjust your dress in just 20 minutes using laser technology.
- Private events: For elite buyers, the store hosts exclusive dinners on its rooftop overlooking Munich Cathedral, accompanied by world-renowned designers.
Even during regular seasons, Oberpollinger surprises its visitors. At Christmas, the façade transforms into a massive LED-lit tree with 10,000 lights, while exclusive Schön Chocolates are handed out to shoppers.
Oberpollinger in the Digital Era: Shaping the Future
Despite its historical roots, Oberpollinger embraces technology. In 2022, it launched a smart app allowing customers to book appointments with personal shoppers and view the store’s collections in virtual reality. It also introduced a “smart cart” system that follows customers and suggests products based on purchase history.
Sustainability is at the heart of its operations:
- The Green Cycle Project: Recycles 90% of waste and uses hemp-fiber shopping bags.
- Eco-friendly brand partnerships: Collaborations with Stella McCartney for ocean-fiber clothing.
- Smart Buy Program: Offers a 10% discount to customers returning used products for recycling.
In an era where online marketplaces threaten traditional retail, Oberpollinger proves that true luxury lies in combining technology with a human touch.
Why Oberpollinger? An Unforgettable Journey in the Heart of Europe
Ultimately, what sets Oberpollinger apart is not just its luxury products, but the stories it tells. Every corner has a memory: the staircase ascended by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954, the spot where director Vasily Kormakov filmed his 1960 classic The Woman I Loved, or the dress Adele purchased for her Munich concert in 2016.
Most importantly, it remains open to everyone. While a Bavarian lady buys a traditional cake from the nearby Duchi Bakery, a Japanese tourist snaps photos of the store’s façade, and a father teaches his children about historic architecture. Here, there are no social barriers—only a shared appreciation for beauty.
Oberpollinger… More Than a Store
In a fast-paced world, Oberpollinger reminds us that some things are meant to be savored slowly. It’s not just a place to buy—it’s a place to feel how humanity can turn shopping into art. With every visit, you discover a new layer of this pyramid: the story of an employee who has worked here for 40 years, a rare perfume that vanished from the market, or even the smell of fresh bread from the small bakery around the corner.
In the near future, the store plans a new expansion adding 2,000 m² for visual arts exhibitions, reinforcing that Oberpollinger is not merely a merchant, but a guardian of the city’s culture. As long as Munich stands, this landmark will continue to remind us that true luxury is not measured by price, but by the value it leaves in your heart.
Store Location & Contact
Here’s a complete set of up-to-date information about Oberpollinger in Munich:
Store Location & Contact
- Full address: Neuhauser Straße 18, 80331 Munich (oberpollinger.de, muenchen-barrierefrei.de)
- Phone: +49 89 2902 30
- Email: service@oberpollinger.de
- Official “Your Visit” page: oberpollinger.de/en/your-visit/
Opening Hours
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
- Special opening/closing dates are listed on the official website in the “Special openings” section.
Getting There & Parking
- By train/metro: The nearest station is Karlsplatz – Stachus, just a short walk from the store.
- By car: Parking entrance via Maxburgstraße 7.
- Max vehicle height: 1.90–2 m
- Parking fees: €3.50 per hour, day max €28, night max €8
In-store Services
Oberpollinger offers a wide range of luxury shopping services:
- Beauty Lounges – premium treatments & products
- Currency Exchange – on the 4th floor
- Cloakroom & Baggage Storage – free, ground floor information desk
- Gift Vouchers – available at cash desks
- Loyalty Card – exclusive offers & events for members
- Mobile Payment – Apple Pay & Google Pay
- Personal Shopping Service – by appointment, 2nd floor lounge
- Tax-Free Shopping – for non-EU visitors, 5th floor (Global Blue)
- Gift Wrapping Service – free, 4th floor
- Free Wi-Fi – network “FREE WIFI OBERPOLLINGER”
- Accessibility Features – disabled restrooms, prayer room, concierge desk
Reviews & Visitor Feedback
- Overall rating: 4.3/5 based on over 7,400 reviews.
- Positive highlights: “Huge beauty & fragrance hall … Prayer room for Muslims.”
“Self-service restaurant on the 5th floor with diverse cuisine.” - Critical notes: “Very high-end stuff here… They really don’t care.”
