A spontaneous snowball fight involving approximately 300 people erupted in front of the Alte Pinakothek museum in Munich on Wednesday, triggered by a viral call to action on Instagram. The unsanctioned event drew nearly 25,000 likes on the social media platform, transforming the area surrounding the renowned art institution into a temporary winter arena.
The Instagram post, issued following significant snowfall in the Bavarian capital, promised “Germany’s biggest snowball fight.” The user stipulated a minimum of 1,000 likes as a condition for the event to proceed. The post garnered significantly more engagement, prompting the impromptu gathering.
Eyewitnesses reported that the snowball fight lasted for over half an hour, unfolding directly in front of the Alte Pinakothek. Museum officials responded with a measured approach, ensuring the safety of visitors leaving the building.
“We made sure that visitors leaving the Pinakothek were not hit by snowballs. Otherwise, we thought it was funny,” stated Tine Nehler, a spokesperson for the Pinakotheken, the organization overseeing the Alte Pinakothek and other Munich museums. Nehler also noted the museum’s extensive collection of works by Peter Paul Rubens, highlighting the contrast between the playful outdoor activity and the artistic treasures housed within. The Alte Pinakothek’s collection of Rubens paintings is the largest in Germany, according to museum information.
Yet, the event took place without prior authorization from the city authorities. According to the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR), Munich’s local administrative authority, a permit is generally required for public events of this nature. “To guarantee the safety of participants, a permit is generally necessary for public events. The organizer did not apply for such a permit,” the KVR stated.
The KVR had advised the event’s initiator to withdraw the call for the snowball fight. The organizer acknowledged on Instagram that they had underestimated the scale of the response and urged participants to refrain from using ice or stones in their snowballs and to avoid targeting heads.
The KVR indicated that organizers of unauthorized events can be held liable for any damages incurred. Costs associated with the deployment of police or emergency services could be passed on to the organizer. An administrative offense proceeding is also possible for holding an event without the required permission. As of Friday, it remained unclear whether the snowball fight would result in any legal repercussions.
