Olympiapark Special Exhibit

While the Kaiser is away, the games will be played!
During restoration of the Kaiser Wilhelm I portrait and frame, DANK Haus is excited to present a special display of the 1972 Olympiapark München. This full model was originally in O’Hare Airport in 1972 and recently plucked from the archives for restoration. Visitors will also be able to view a custom Dirndl from the games, likely worn by the city hostesses.
München 1972 was the unfortunate site of the terrorist attack on the Israeli team. The topic of recent films as well as numerous investigations and changes in security for large-scale events, the massacre was a dark shadow on a country eager to change perceptions created during the 1936 Olympics. The intentional, open, interactive design of the athletes’ quarters and low visibility of armed guards in order to support the Olympic spirit may have created an advantage for the terrorists.
This effort extended to visual marketing, the color scheme intentionally eschewing the red and black of the Olympic rings. The München Committee was responsible for the first Olympic mascot, a friendly little Bauhaus inspired dachshund, Waldi, chosen because the breed has qualities that make a great athlete: resistance, tenacity and agility.
This exhibit is free and open to the public. The display is on the 4th floor, adjacent to the “Lost German Chicago” exhibit and Scharpenberg Fine Arts Gallery.
Regular viewing hours are Saturdays between 11 am and 3pm. Weekday appointments are always willkommen!

Special support for this exhibit was made possible by J Bradtke Antique Movers.