One of Berlin’s most famous clubs, Watergate, has officially closed its doors after 22 years of unforgettable nights. But even though the club is gone, its legacy will live on—thanks to a unique tombstone in front of its former home.
The memorial was set up last week on Falckensteinstraße, near the Spree River, where Watergate stood for over two decades. The stone is engraved with the words “Watergate 2002 – 2024” as a tribute to the club’s influence on Berlin’s electronic music scene. It honors the city’s vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking club culture.
This special tribute was created by an anonymous Berlin group called Steinzeit.alter (or Stone Age in English). This group is known for placing memorials at closed cultural spaces throughout the city. On Instagram, they shared a video of the installation, writing: “Where the name is written in stone, the soul lives on.”
Watergate announced its closure back in September 2024, citing rising costs, high energy prices, and increasing rent as reasons for shutting down. Co-founder Ulrich Wombacher explained: “We see things going in a different direction now. It’s time to take this final step. Moving forward without reason and risking a financial downfall is not an option.”
The group behind the tombstone hopes this will raise awareness about the growing number of clubs being replaced by office spaces. They want Berliners and tourists alike to think about the importance of preserving nightlife culture.
Watergate may be gone, but its impact on the electronic music world will never be forgotten. The beat goes on!
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