The legendary Berlin club Watergate is set to close its doors, marking the end of an era in the city’s vibrant club culture. The closure was commemorated with a 35-hour New Year’s Eve marathon party titled “Every End is a New Beginning,” featuring 40 performers.
The decision to shut down the iconic venue, effective January 1, 2025, stems from overwhelming financial difficulties. This marks yet another blow to Berlin’s nightlife, which has faced increasing challenges due to relentless gentrification.
Located on the banks of the Spree River, Watergate first opened in 2002 and quickly became a must-visit destination for electronic music lovers. Founded by Ulrich Wombacher, Steffen Hack, and Niklas Eichstädt, the club played a significant role in shaping Berlin’s nightlife. With its breathtaking riverside views and iconic terrace where countless visitors witnessed the sunrise, Watergate offered a truly unique experience.
“A club like Watergate is rooted in the original concept of a club as a central hub for an entire generation of music lovers,” Wombacher said during the announcement of the closure. “We are under enormous financial pressure, which has ultimately led us to decide not to renew the club’s lease.”
Reflecting on its 20th anniversary, Watergate shared a collage of old photos capturing memories from the past two decades.
“From its raw and gritty beginnings to the elegant, iconic space it is today, the transformation of Watergate is a testament to vision, creativity, and love,” the club wrote on social media, also sharing photos of its evolution from an office space to a legendary dance floor.
Watergate was known for its diverse musical spectrum, starting with drum ‘n’ bass and hip-hop in its early days, and later evolving into a haven for techno and house music, which dominated its dance floor in recent years.
One of the club’s standout features was its strict yet inclusive entry policy.
“We wanted to create an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome, no matter where they came from or how they looked. That sense of belonging was key to Watergate,” Wombacher explained in an interview with Sleek Magazine.
The club also took a stand against mobile phone photography in 2007, introducing a no-photo policy to ensure guests fully immersed themselves in the moment.
“We wanted people to enjoy the experience rather than try to capture it on their phones. This is more relevant now than ever before,” Wombacher recalled.
Among the most cherished memories for visitors was the sunrise, as sunlight poured onto the dance floor through the glass walls overlooking the Oberbaum Bridge. “Seeing the sunrise behind the bridge, lighting up the club – that’s a moment that stays with you forever,” added Wombacher.
In 2015, Watergate brought its magic to Dubrovnik’s Lazareti as part of the “Watergate Goes Croatia” series. This event further strengthened the bond between the global and local clubbing communities, showcasing the club’s ability to transcend its Berlin roots.
The closure of Watergate highlights the growing effects of gentrification in Berlin, which is gradually reshaping the city and reducing spaces for creative communities. Despite its physical closure, Watergate’s legacy will live on as a brand through the music and community it has built over two decades.
“From raw beginnings to its iconic status, Watergate symbolizes the transformation of nothing into something truly magical,” Wombacher concluded.
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