The Mascotte, a Zurich institution since 1916, is set to close its doors in June 2025, marking the end of an era for one of Switzerland's oldest and most beloved clubs. Known for hosting countless concerts and parties, the club has seen a significant decline in bar revenues and a shift in the nightlife preferences of younger generations, leading to its impending closure.
Alfonso Siegrist, one of the club’s operators, explained the reasons behind this difficult decision. "The going-out behavior of young people has changed significantly since the Corona pandemic. They are opting for healthier lifestyles and are drinking less," he stated in an interview with the Tages-Anzeiger. This shift has resulted in a staggering drop in bar revenues, with sales plummeting by up to 30 percent over the past year.
Despite its rich history, the Mascotte has struggled to compete with a burgeoning array of outdoor events and pop-ups that have taken over Zurich's nightlife scene. "The city is exploding with outdoor events and pop-ups, making it tough for traditional clubs to survive," Siegrist added. The lack of an outdoor area has further complicated operations during the summer months, diminishing the club's appeal.
The Mascotte has long been a cultural hub in Zurich, hosting performances from renowned artists like Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker, and more recently, bands like Arcade Fire and MGMT. Over the years, the club has been a second home for many, fostering a sense of community among its patrons.
However, as nightlife trends evolve, the location's allure has waned, particularly among younger audiences who now prefer the more urban vibes found in districts 3, 4, and 5. "The Bellevue area has changed; there used to be more clubs nearby, and the night bus would drop off young people right at our door. Now, that youthful foot traffic is largely absent," Siegrist lamented.
As the lease for the Mascotte is set to expire at the end of 2025, the operators have planned a farewell weekend from June 12 to June 14, 2025, to celebrate the club's legacy. This event will serve as a final opportunity for fans to gather and reminisce about the countless parties and concerts that have defined the Mascotte's history.
Looking ahead, the operators are shifting their focus to the Plaza, another venue they manage in District 4, where they plan to ramp up concert activities. "We will continue our concert activities at the Plaza, and from this year onwards, we aim to double the number of concerts compared to previous years," Siegrist noted.
The future of the Mascotte's location, housed in the historic Corso-Haus, remains uncertain. The city of Zurich has plans for a major renovation of the building, which would have required the club to relocate for at least two years regardless. "It’s a bittersweet moment for us. We are proud of the legacy we’ve built, but we recognize the need for change in the nightlife landscape," Siegrist reflected.
The closure of the Mascotte is not an isolated incident; it follows a troubling trend within Zurich’s club scene, where several iconic venues have recently shut down due to financial difficulties. The combination of rising costs, changing consumer behaviors, and a lack of support for the nightlife sector has left many clubs struggling to stay afloat.
As the city grapples with these changes, Siegrist advocates for a reevaluation of cultural funding. "The city needs to rethink how cultural funds are distributed. The rock, pop, and club sectors are struggling and receive minimal support," he argued.
The Mascotte’s closure represents more than just the loss of a club; it signifies a shift in Zurich's cultural landscape. As the city continues to evolve, the question remains: how will it adapt to the changing preferences of its younger residents while preserving its rich cultural heritage?
In its final days, the Mascotte will remain a cherished memory for many, a place where generations came together to celebrate music, life, and community. The farewell weekend promises to be a poignant reminder of the club's impact on Zurich's nightlife and the indelible mark it has left on the hearts of its patrons.
