The iconic Jelmoli department store in Zurich is preparing to close its doors permanently, but not without one last spectacular event. The store will host the techno music festival "Ware House" from April 10 to April 12, 2025, before undergoing significant renovations to accommodate Manor, which is set to move in by 2027.
Before the transition, Jelmoli will be transformed from its traditional retail space to a vibrant dancefloor, where national and international electronic music artists will take the stage. According to the organizers, Samigo and Club Kaufleuten, this event is not just about celebrating the store's legacy but also creating unforgettable experiences. "Die lange Erfahrung des Kaufleuten und die Kreativität Samigos führe zu einer perfekten Symbiose mit einer atemberaubenden Szenerie" (The long experience of Kaufleuten and the creativity of Samigo leads to a perfect symbiosis with a breathtaking scenery), they announced enthusiastically.
Tickets for the event are reasonably priced at 25 Swiss Francs for Thursday and 30 Francs for Friday and Saturday. With this pricing, organizers are anticipating high attendance, embracing tech enthusiasts and party-goers alike, ensuring the closing weekend will be one of celebration rather than sorrow.
Jelmoli has been more than just a shopping destination; it's been part of Zurich's cultural fabric. Situated on Bahnhofstrasse, it's known for catering to the city's discerning shoppers. Its closure marks the end of an era as it prepares for its next chapter with Manor, which will utilize 13,000 square meters of retail space across three levels once complete, featuring not only shopping but also culinary options.
The renovations are part of a broader plan to update the building to meet modern market needs, with the upper levels undergoing redevelopment for office spaces and additional hospitality offerings. Plans for new restaurants, including one on the rooftop terrace, are also being considered.
Before the doors officially close, Jelmoli will shine one last time, filled with excitement and energy, as thousands gather to dance under its roofs during "Ware House." It highlights the ingenuity of local event planners, such as Sam Khouri, known for his creative initiatives and vibrant social venues like the Palestine Grill, Samigo, and others within Zurich's thriving nightlife scene.
His involvement with this event promises to bring his characteristic flair and creativity to the party floors, ensuring all attendees will have memories to cherish long after the lights dim and the music fades.
This techno event is more than just music; it encapsulates the spirit of Jelmoli, showcasing its adaptability to the changing times and its role as more than just a retail space. The cultural beat of the city will resonate through the walls of Jelmoli just one last time as the dance party welcomes all who wish to celebrate its history and bid farewell.
Jelmoli’s transition serves as encouragement for other underutilized spaces to be reimagined and activated creatively. This philosophy can breathe new life as empty venues often serve as perfect canvases for imaginative concepts. Events like these, melding entertainment with inspiration, reflect the vibrant local culture and its potential for transformation through community engagement.
So, as February 28 approaches and the last day of operation draws near, the streets of Zurich will buzz with talk of the upcoming weekend. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and ready their dance shoes for what promises to be not only the conclusion of Jelmoli’s storied past but the beginning of its most exhilarating chapter yet.
For updates on the event and to join the celebration as Jelmoli bids farewell, enthusiasts can subscribe to the channels of local news outlets and event organizers. The community stands ready to witness the resurgence of culture amid change, embodying the very essence of Zurich's creative heartbeat as it welcomes opportunities for new memories.