Editor’s Note
This article details the recent transformation of Munich’s historic Oberpollinger department store, highlighting its newly inaugurated ground floor. The redesign places a central focus on luxury beauty, accessories, and high-end watches and jewelry, featuring prominent brands and boutiques.
The ground floor of the Oberpollinger in Munich has now been inaugurated. The central focus lies on the Beauty, Accessories, as well as Watches and Jewelry departments, featuring, among others, Tiffany’s and the shops operated by Bucherer for brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Cartier.
Since 2016, the Oberpollinger in Munich has been transforming according to the master plan of British architect John Pawson into a contemporary, openly designed department store—a concept already implemented in the Alsterhaus in Hamburg. Following the redesign of the Living floor last year, the ground floor has now been completed. Spanning approximately 4,500 square meters, the Oberpollinger aims to set new standards and elevate 21st-century shopping to the next level.
In his design, John Pawson follows the core idea of connecting the history-conscious character of the department store, which opened in 1905, its tradition, and local identity with international influences. With the new ground floor, he extends Munich’s pedestrian zone into the house, which is now more open than ever before. Clear lines and reduced design are characteristic of John Pawson and are reflected in the overall appearance.
The Beauty department has been relocated to the front facing Neuhauser Straße and has also been conceptually redesigned. From now on, exclusive shop-in-shops from Dior, Tom Ford, or Armani can be found there, with smaller brand concepts surrounding them, creating the character of a marketplace. A second piazza marks the beginning of the Accessories area with brands like MCM, Linda Farrow, Longchamp, and nearly the entire lineup of French and Italian luxury houses such as Celine, Bottega Veneta, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, or Salvatore Ferragamo.
Another highlight is the new Watches and Fine Jewelry area. Here, Tiffany & Co. and Bucherer, with brands like Cartier, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega, present a high-quality selection.
