13/11/2025
It’s official – one of the world’s most beautiful sport venues is in Munich.
Today we celebrate the news that SAP Garden, Munich’s new multifunctional arena, has been listed as one of the world’s most beautiful sports venues of 2025 by the prestigious Prix Versailles.
Announced each year at UNESCO, the coveted international architecture and design award highlights the most exceptional contemporary projects around the world, honouring those that stand out for their architecture, innovation, sustainability and beneficial integration into the living environment.
SAP Garden fulfils these criteria perfectly. Since it opened last year, the arena has become a destination Munich, providing flexible facilities that benefit not only top-level sports but also grassroots sports, schools and clubs. An innovative, custom-built seating system allows the interior to adapt to different events, guaranteeing optimal views and a unique experience for visitors. The arena also stands out for its sensitive integration into the existing landscape having been built partially underground as well as its forward-thinking sustainability concept, including a green roof with solar panels, heat recovery systems and excellent public transport links.
Buro Happold collaborated with Copenhagen-based architects 3XN on the design of the arena. Our contribution included multidisciplinary services including acoustics, building performance, MEP, façade engineering, infrastructure, structural engineering and transport and mobility.
Nominated in the category “World’s Most Beautiful Arenas 2025”, the arena joins five other exceptional new constructions in China, Japan, France and the United States. Three of them are set to receive a further distinction – the World Title at the official awards ceremony at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on 4 December.
More details on the project are available on https://buro.im/3iKL3C5
Image: Rasmus Hjortshoj