Peeking out from Munich’s old town is the Orag-Haus, a building with a story etched into its very walls. Today, we’ll uncover the history of this administrative and commercial building. The Orag-Haus stands in the Angerviertel district. Its story began long before its current form took shape.
Before the Orag-Haus existed, the Gighanbad stood here from the 16th to 18th centuries. This bathhouse was a local institution for centuries. Fast forward to 1897. Johann Grassel, a construction business owner, and Max Kraus wanted to construct a business building. The local building commission approved their plan. The four-story Haan-Baders-Haus was demolished to make way for the new structure.
In 1926, the merchant Arnold Götz acquired the building. Just a few years later, in 1929, the Schneidereigenossenschaft Orag took ownership. This tailoring cooperative still has its headquarters here today. Hence the name Orag-Haus.
The Orag-Haus faced adversity during the Second World War. It suffered heavy damage from air raids. Restoration work commenced in 1945, marking the beginning of its revival. In 1968, tunnel tubes for the U3 and U6 subway lines were driven under the building. This shows the constant evolution of the city around it.
The ground floor shops were remodeled in 1969, modernizing the building’s commercial spaces. The facade underwent renovation. In 1976, the city of Munich awarded it the Facade Prize. This recognized the care taken to preserve its historical charm. In 1980, the Orag-Haus was added to the Bavarian Monument List. This solidified its importance as a protected historical site.
Look closely. You can see a mural depicting the Gighanbad. The bathhouse got its name from Hanns Gügerhahn. He was a bath attendant. Gighan is derived from his family name. Over time, it was also called Hahnenbad or Hahnbaderhaus. In the 18th century, a Gockelhahn, or rooster, served as a house sign on the facade.
The Orag-Haus stands as a testament to Munich’s history. It has evolved from a bathhouse to a business hub. The Orag-Haus has survived war damage and has embraced modernization. Today, the Orag-Haus is a magnificent building. It features bay windows, murals, and stucco on its walls.