Belgian’s iconic Berghain rumored to be closing by end of 2022

Berlin’s famed Berghain—lauded as one of the most quintessential club venues in the world and deemed a cultural institution and “the world capital of techno”—is reportedly rumored to be shutting its doors for good by the end of 2022. Founded in 2004, Berghain is known for its intentionally curated atmosphere of only the most devoted house and techno listeners.

According to an anonymous source from Germany’s Faze Magazine, Berghain will be “closing forever” at some point before the clock strikes 2023. The news follows the recent end to Ostgut Ton, Berghain’s in-house record label and booking agency, which may likely be related. The source added to their comment, stating,

“One of the founders has already been paid out and is said to be staying in the countryside in Brandenburg. The others simply ‘don’t feel like it’ anymore and have other life plans in mind.”

The nightclub had been temporarily shuttered in 2020 due to COVID-19, staying open only as an art installation until restrictions from the pandemic eased. “Continuing to exist as an art location does not appear to be an option. And so this chapter should finally be closed,” added the Berghain source.

This isn’t the first rumor of closure the Berlin institution has faced, namely in 2016 when Berghain was threatened by a development plan from a “family entertainment district,” and again in 2018 when Germany’s primary right-wing political party Alternative für Germany (AfD), threatened to disband the nightclub for good. With no comment yet from current club owners, the truth behind Berghain’s closing still waits in the wings.

Featured image: Michael Huebner

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