Orlando di Lasso Statue and Michael Jackson Memorial

It’s officially the statue of Orlando di Lasso, but it’s also become an unofficial, heartfelt memorial to Michael Jackson. It’s a fascinating blend of historical significance and modern pop culture devotion!

It was erected in the late 19th century, around 1894 or 1896, to honor Orlando di Lasso. Now, who was he? A hugely important figure! Orlando di Lasso, or Roland de Lassus as he was also known, was one of the most famous and influential composers of the Renaissance period, a true master of music who worked right here at the Bavarian court in Munich. This bronze statue was created to recognize his immense contribution to the arts and his legacy in Bavaria.

But then, something unexpected happened in the modern era. Following the death of the global pop superstar Michael Jackson in 2009, fans in Munich were looking for a place to mourn and remember him. And they chose this specific statue! Why this one? Well, Michael Jackson often stayed at the famous Bayerischer Hof hotel just around the corner, and fans would often gather at this very spot on the small square when he was in town, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Because of this long-standing connection to the location through his fans, after his passing, this unrelated statue organically transformed into a spontaneous memorial site.

Today, the statue presents a striking contrast. While the bronze figure of the Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso remains, its base is almost constantly adorned with flowers, candles, photos, letters, and other tributes from Michael Jackson fans from all over the world.