Known as Germany's most famous techno club, Berghain has long been the heartbeat of Berlin's nightlife. The renowned venue, situated in the Friedrichshain district, has captivated music lovers from around the globe for nearly two decades. This 14th of December, the club celebrates its 20th anniversary with extravagant parties highlighting its prominence.
Deemed the "cathedral of techno," Berghain is set to host what many speculate to be the longest lineup ever presented by the club. The festivities kicked off at 11:59 PM on the night of Friday, December 13, and will continue non-stop until Monday, December 16, promising raves filled with some of the biggest names from the techno scene.
Over this anniversary weekend, around 70 DJs, including mega-stars like Ben Klock, Norman Nodge, and the club's very own resident DJ Marcel Dettmann, will grace the decks. With more than 26 DJs scheduled to perform on the main floor alone and another 32 on the Panorama Bar, it's evident this will be one memorable event. There is even the inclusion of live performances, with artists like Jin Synth, adding to the grand spectacle of Berghain's birthday celebration.
"Wir sagen ein herzliches Dankeschön an all unsere Gästinnen, Mitarbeiterinnen und Künstler*innen, die das Berghain in den letzten 20 Jahren zu dem gemacht haben, was es heute ist," the club shared on its official website, expressing gratitude for the community's vibrant contributions over the years. The depiction of Berghain as more than just another club reflects its storied history and significant impact.
Opened originally as Ostgut, Berghain was repurposed from its previous life as a heating plant, becoming the epitome of techno culture. Its influential history can be traced back to the late 1990s when the club entered Berlin's club scene, fostering groundbreaking parties aimed at empowering the LGBTQ+ community. Only five years after its inception, it made waves by topping the DJ Mag’s prestigious club ranking, highlighting its global reach.
Yet, Berghain’s allure is not just about music; it’s intertwined with the culture of exclusivity and mystique surrounding the club’s entrance policy, infamous for admitting only select patrons, often leading to long queues. "Das Warten hier ist schon die halbe Experience. Wenn ich nicht reinkomme, hatte ich wenigstens eine gute Zeit in der Schlange. Das ist auch schön," shared a guest from Switzerland, encapsulating both the thrill and tension of entering this venerable establishment.
Inside, the club boasts not just one, but multiple distinct spaces—each offering its unique vibe. Besides the main Berghain area, the Panorama Bar and the Lab.oratory have each carved out dedicated followings. The ambiance is enhanced by the club’s no-photos policy, enforcing intimacy and secrecy, granting it legendary status. Tall walls, dim lighting, and booming sound create an immersive space like no other.
Over the years, Berghain has emerged as not just a club, but almost like an institution—a symbol of freedom and expanse for the techno community. Its architecture pays homage to the rawness and beauty of its predecessors. And as the club reaches this impressive milestone, worries of potential club closures loom over Berlin, with establishments like Watergate facing imminent shutdown.
Yet, people still line up for hours outside Berghain, driven by the pulse of the techno beats inside. The rich history and continuous evolution keep drawing both newcomers and seasoned regulars to its door. "Es war ein bisschen wie nach Hause kommen," recalls Mareike, who found refuge at Berghain since 2012. For many, this club has been more than just entertainment; it's been home—a safe space for self-expression and acceptance.
The anniversary celebrations embody the essence of Berghain as the club dances through cultural shifts, much like the ever-evolving music it champions. With announcements and excitement surrounding the 20-hour celebration, the world watches is eager to see what the next chapter holds for this iconic venue.
Despite the worries of club closures and the shifting dynamics of nightlife culture, Berghain stands resilient. Its commitment to providing unforgettable experiences and staying relevant is as strong as ever, proving the legacy it holds is not merely about its past but evolves as part of the future. This weekend, as techno fills the former power plant with energy, one can only hope Berghain will continue to remain at the forefront of Berlin's nightlife for years to come.
