The Dean has opened its doors in Munich, marking the Irish-born lifestyle brand’s second outpost in Germany.
Located in the vibrant Westend neighbourhood, the 281-guestroom property follows the building’s layered story with an elevated amenity offering, enhanced by bespoke DS & Durga fragrances inspired by Ireland’s natural landscape.
Internationally recognised designer Tatjana von Stein has shaped the heart of the property in her design of the hotel’s social and gathering spaces, combining inspiration from Bavaria’s Art Nouveau heritage (Jugendstil) and the hedonistic creative energy of the 1980s, into an interior language that bridges eras.
For von Stein, who grew up in Munich, the project carries personal resonance: ‘’This is a city rooted in history but always drawn to reinvention,” says von Stein. “I wanted to capture that tension-somewhere between elegance and exuberance-and let it guide every surface, object and gesture. The design also brings to life a side of Munich only locals truly know: its rich musical and cultural spirit, quietly woven into the character of the city.’’
Drawing from two pivotal moments in Munich’s cultural history, the design concept creates Jugendstil influences expressed through natural motifs, curved lines, tactile warmth and crafted detailing and 1980s Munich nightlife references in glossy surfaces, lacquered finishes and subtly theatrical lighting. Throughout the hotel, custom furniture and lighting designed by Tatjana von Stein Studio sits alongside vintage pieces and lighting sourced from Cologne-based Studio Kuhlmann and a bespoke sound system by Friendly Pressure. The result is a hotel that is visually layered, emotionally resonant, and culturally alive.
Considered interventions like contrasting trims, lighting, and subtle reflective surfaces within the public spaces. The Lobby has cream lacquer walls, soft upholstery and a signature symbolic eye motif nodding to post-modern mysticism.
Guestrooms are intentionally paired back, featuring a soothing palette of gentle greens. Subtle Jugendstil curves and refined detailing bring warmth and tactility, while discreet touches of 1980s influence echo the livelier spirit found in the public spaces. Within the rooms, smart tech, tactile detailing and considered comfort in all room categories which range from Standard Rooms through to the top of the range ‘The Dean Suite’ and ‘The Penthouse Suite’ fit for a spacious stay.
To anchor the hotel in its location, The Dean Munich has launched with a site-specific art programme titled ‘The City Beneath the City’, curated by Christian Ganzenberg, author, curator and Director of Munich’s international art festival, Various Others. Inspired by Italo Calvino’s ‘Invisible Cities’, the collection focuses on Munich-based contemporary artists, explores the unexpected layers of a traditional art city through the lens of contemporary voices from today’s art scene. As part of this vision, Ganzenberg invited artists such as Ju Young Kim, whose sculptural work blends Art Nouveau elements with everyday infrastructure, and Veronika Hilger, whose paintings exist in the realm between memory and the surreal, to a commission by Jieun Park in the public spaces. Interactive works by Sebastian Quast surprise in their materiality in the hallways, while photographers from Der Greif Studio inhabit the guestrooms, as well as commissions by artist such as Ossian Fraser, who used material from the hotel site in the works’ creation. An intricate narrative that uncovers the imagined and remembered layers of Munich – ‘The City Beneath The City’.
The hotel’s signature restaurant Ibasho offers a modern Japanese dining experience shaped by seasonality, precision and playful presentation. Guests can expect a menu conceived by consultant Chef Alex Craciun, working closely alongside Ibasho’s kitchen team. Craciun’s experience across Michelin-starred kitchens in Japan as well as his partnership establishing Sosharu in London and most recently his own restaurant, Aces Food Craft.
The Dean Munich also houses Power, The Dean’s signature fitness and wellness concept which features an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment room. A premium, design-led space, Power goes beyond the traditional gym to deliver guided, music-driven group training alongside best-in-class recovery. Class formats will include high-energy MetCon sessions, as well as Restore and Flow classes focused on mobility, longevity and balance, all delivered in an immersive environment. The facilities will house industry-leading equipment, dedicated recovery zones and a thermal suite with contrast therapy.
