Round anniversary for the legendary temple of the Berlin scene: the techno club Berghain celebrates its 20th birthday and challenges the imminent decline of nightlife in the capital.
Berghain.
Tough bouncers, sexually extravagant parties, hypnotic DJ sets and secretive operators: hardly any club is surrounded by a myth like the Berlin techno club Berghain. At the weekend the trendy temple celebrates its 20th birthday with a long disco evening, which starts on the night between friday and Saturday.
The program features around 70 DJs in total, including 30 on the main floor of Berghain alone. In the program declaration in the December flyer, the club, which opened in December 2004, left a little birthday wish: “You should live high, stick to the ceiling! Fall, bust your butt: that’s life!”
Berghain in 13th place out of 100 in the club rankings
Long queues will probably be guaranteed again, even if this year Berghain only came in 13th place out of 100 in the club rankings of the trade magazine “DJ mag”. in 2009 he was once the leader there.
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Photographer and Berghain bouncer Sven Marquardt also wants to come on the anniversary weekend, as he told the German Press Agency on the sidelines of a gala evening in Berlin at the end of November.
“It’s been an incredibly long time where so many things have happened and the store has remained true to itself and what it stands for and what it does,” Marquardt said. This is perhaps one of the reasons why it has been around for so long. Upon request from dpa, the organizers said that they “basically do not answer any questions”.
Even celebrities fail at the “hardest door in Berlin”
At Berghain, whose name derives from its location in Berlin’s Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, there is a strict photography ban and is considered a place of desire for revelers from around the world. The “Süddeutsche Zeitung” described the Technobunker in 2022 as “a sort of Vatican of the party world: you don’t know what happens behind the walls, but you interpret it even more”.
The three-story concrete block of Wriezen train station is said to be “the hardest door in berlin”: many people who want to party fail due to the bouncers. According to media reports,celebrities are also mentioned again and again: The American rapper Macklemore is mentioned.
The actress Claire Danes (“Homeland”), though, revealed herself to be a big fan in 2015: “It’s the best place in the world”, she spoke enthusiastically on the American talk show “Ellen” and talked about naked clubbers.Rap trio KIZ even named a song after the “Berghain Snake.”
Berghain defies club
death threat
Compared to the imminent death of clubs in many places – established shops like the “Wilde Renate” or the “Watergate” in the capital are closing – Berghain’s 20 years is an notable age. Especially because the roots of the gay scene go back even further: there was the previous club “Ostgut” and before that the party series “Snax”.
The German capital is currently afraid of quietly disappearing as a party metropolis: declining visitors, rising costs and a lack of state aid threaten the future of the scene, as the Berlin Club Commission recently announced. (dpa)
What are the key elements that contribute to berghain’s unique atmosphere and cultural significance?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Techno Expert on Berghain’s 20th Anniversary
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special interview segment! Today, we are excited to celebrate a significant milestone in the world of nightlife: the 20th anniversary of the legendary Berliner techno club, Berghain. Joining us is renowned techno expert and cultural commentator, Dr. Elena Voss. Thank you for being here, Dr. Voss.
Dr. Elena Voss: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an iconic venue.
Time.news Editor: Twenty years is quite an achievement! Berghain has become synonymous with techno culture not just in Berlin but worldwide. What do you think has contributed to its enduring legacy?
Dr. Elena Voss: Absolutely! Berghain’s success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, its commitment to quality in music, with world-renowned DJs performing regularly. Additionally, the club’s unique atmosphere creates a sense of exclusivity and community that resonates with revellers. The raw, industrial habitat of the former power plant also adds to its charm.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of atmosphere, there’s also the infamous door policy. It’s known for being notoriously selective.How do you think this affects the club’s image and allure?
Dr. Elena Voss: The door policy is critical in shaping Berghain’s identity. It enhances the feeling of belonging for those who are allowed in, creating a sort of “inner circle.” This exclusivity can be frustrating for some, but it also amplifies the overall experience for those who do gain entry. It’s a paradox that keeps the club intriguing.
Time.news Editor: As we celebrate this landmark, there’s talk about the potential decline of nightlife in Berlin. Some attribute this to gentrification and changing social dynamics. Do you agree, and how might Berghain navigate these challenges?
Dr. Elena Voss: Gentrification is a pressing issue. Many iconic venues have already closed due to rising rents and changing neighborhoods. However, Berghain has a strong cultural and historical significance, which may afford it some protection. Their continual innovation—whether through special events or collaborations—can help them stay relevant. Engaging with the local community is also crucial.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! What do you think the future holds for Berghain and the techno scene in Berlin?
Dr. Elena Voss: The future is always uncertain, especially in the fast-paced world of nightlife. However, as long as Berghain continues to innovate and adapt while remaining true to its roots, it can survive and even thrive. The techno scene in Berlin has deep cultural roots, and as long as there are passionate individuals supporting it, I believe the spirit of techno will endure.
time.news Editor: That’s a hopeful perspective! In a world that’s rapidly changing, maintaining such cultural institutions seems all the more vital. What final thoughts would you share as we commemorate Berghain’s 20 years?
Dr. Elena Voss: Let’s celebrate not only Berghain but also the resilience of nightlife culture. It serves as a reminder of how crucial shared experiences and art are to our lives. Here’s to 20 more years of music,freedom,and community at Berghain!
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Voss, for your insights.It’s been a fascinating discussion,and we look forward to seeing how Berghain evolves in the years to come!
Dr. Elena Voss: thank you! Let’s keep the beats going!
