The neo-Renaissance Maximilianstraße in Munich is one of the city’s four royal avenues. It starts at Max-Joseph-Platz, where the Residenz and the National Theatre are situated, and runs from west to east. Principal was king Maximilian II of Bavaria, who started the project in 1850, the avenue is named for his honour. Leading architect was Friedrich Bürklein.
With this project, the king also aimed to “invent” a new architectural style which would combine the best features of historical models combined with then modern building technology. The avenue is framed by mostly neo-Gothic buildings influenced by the English Perpendicular style.
Opposite to the National Theatre the north facade of the Old Mint Yard got its neogothic decoration when the Maximilianstrasse was built to fit it with the concept of this royal avenue. The new buildings house, among others, in the western portion of the street the Schauspielhaus and in the eastern portion several state buildings like the building of the district government of Upper Bavaria (Friedrich Bürklein, 1856–1864), the Völkerkundemuseum (Museum of Ethnology, built by Eduard Riedel, 1858–1865) and the building of the Wilhelmsgymnasium (built by Carl Leimbach, 1875–1877). After crossing the river Isar further east, the avenue circles the palatial Maximilianeum (Friedrich Bürklein, 1857–1874), home of a gifted students´ foundation and the Bavarian Landtag (state parliament). The opening in the middle of the Maximilianstrasse for the new circular road Altstadtring after World War II still disturbs the appearance.
The western portion of Maximilianstrasse is known for its galleries, designer shops, luxury boutiques, jewellery stores, and one of Munich’s foremost five-star hotels, the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Kempinski, built by Rudolf Gottgetreu, 1856–1858). Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Escada, Hugo Boss, Gucci, Gianfranco Ferré, Bulgari and many other famous shops keep branches in the Maximilianstrasse. They have increasingly ousted the traditional shops, art galleries and restaurants.
The dramatic situation in Greece given, a group of Greeks have joined forces to make positive publicity for Greece. Regardless of how one’s standing toward Greece actually is, this can be a viable initiative even beyond a worst-case scenario. For unlimited Greece fans, the initiative is probably a must, for observers and / or potential investors it can be an additional information source, with the latter group ought to realize the goals of the initiative.
What is “Greece is Changing”?
It is a one-off public service initiative funded by a group of leading Greek business people. Our aim is to ensure that the sacrifices made by every Greek under the toughest austerity package in modern history do not go in vain.
Who are the people behind “Greece is Changing”?
We are a network of like-minded businesspeople, colleagues and friends who cannot be silent observers as the dialogue around Greece’s road to recovery deteriorates and the substance is often overshadowed by stereotypes.
As we enter a fifth year of recession we want to rebalance the agenda. Inject some more facts into a debate sometimes overrun by fiction.
We have absolutely no political aspirations and we do not serve nor promote any special interest, personal or professional.
We are a group of people who hope to voice the concerns of those other Greeks that aspire to a constructive role within Europe, that are Europeans, that will deliver on their country’s commitment, that have already made sacrifices and are ready to do more and that just need a chance to change Greece.
Why did “Greece is Changing” act now?
Greece is facing one of the most crucial moments in its history. We are going through the fifth year of recession and even if we have secured an enormous bail out and we are determined to deliver on our commitments, we ask you to focus more on what is has been accomplished and give support for what can be achieved.
There are many important milestones ahead that will have drastic influence on the future of the country for decades to come.
Parliaments across Europe are asked to vote in favor of yet another Greek package and deserve to know all the facts.
Populism inside and outside of Greece is misleading the general public and often downgrading the debate within the European community, disregarding the catastrophic effects of careless rhetoric on the future of both Greece and Europe.
What is “Greece is Changing” aiming at?
Invite Europeans to see another dimension, to see through the stereotypes and realize that there is another Greece which believes in modernity, in the stability that being part of Europe brings, that is fighting a battle for change that can be won.
Attract attention to the progress Greece and its people have accomplished and the societal sacrifices made in employment, wages, labor relations and even growth.
