In December 2024, one of Berlin’s most iconic techno clubs, the Watergate, will close its doors forever after more than two decades. The club, which has firmly established itself in the Berlin club scene since its opening in 2002, had to make the decision to close its doors due to enormous financial challenges.
The reasons for the closure are complex: rising rental costs, the economic impact of the energy crisis and general inflation have hit the club hard. Co-founder Ulrich Wombacher explained that the high operating costs make it impossible to continue running the club in its current form. In addition, the trend towards larger festivals and events has increased, which poses major challenges for smaller clubs like Watergate. Wombacher stressed that it made more sense to close now before the club gets into financial difficulties. (Four/Four Magazine)(Mixmag).
Watergate was an important part of Berlin's club culture for over 22 years. Located on the Spree, the venue not only offered an incomparable view through its unique glass fronts, but also an atmosphere that attracted both international and local DJs such as Carl Cox, Richie Hawtin and Charlotte de Witte. With an outstanding sound and lighting system, Watergate managed to establish itself as one of the best addresses for electronic music.(Mixmag).
The club will host a series of farewell parties before it closes. These events promise to bring the magic of Watergate to life once again before this legendary place finally becomes history (Four/Four Magazine).