End of an Era: Watergate Club Closes Amid Berlin’s Nightlife Crisis
Under the Oberbaumbrücke, a prominent neo-Gothic bridge over the River Spree, stands the former border between West Berlin and East Berlin. People often queue to enter Watergate, a famous club in Berlin. This waiting ritual is an important part of the nightlife. Once inside, patrons cover their phone cameras with stickers. The club features four DJs performing under bright neon lights, with a large glass front overlooking the river. Visitors dance and enjoy the music, disconnecting from social media and losing track of time. This experience represents a key part of German pop culture and is vital for the city’s economy.
However, Watergate will close at the end of the year, ending its 22-year run. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted Berlin’s nightlife and rents have significantly increased. Another well-known club, Wilde Renate, will also close in 2025.
The closure of Watergate is a significant change. Historically, clubs have moved with the city’s development. Berlin, once called “poor but sexy,” is facing challenges. This reflects a wider change in Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, as Berlin loses some of its charm.
What impact has the closure of Watergate had on Berlin’s nightlife scene?
An Interview with Ulrich Wombacher: Reflections on the Closure of Watergate and the Future of Berlin’s Nightlife
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Ulrich. Watergate has been a staple of Berlin’s nightlife for over two decades. Can you share some of your feelings about the club’s impending closure?
Ulrich Wombacher: It’s an emotional time for us. Watergate has been more than just a club; it’s been a community space, a cultural hub for creativity and expression. The decision to close is difficult, but unavoidable given the current state of the neighborhood and the broader challenges facing Berlin nightlife.
News Directory 3: You mentioned the neighborhood’s decline—what changes have you observed in Kreuzberg, particularly in relation to nightlife?
Ulrich Wombacher: Kreuzberg was once a vibrant area full of life and creativity. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a deterioration in its appeal. There are significant issues like drug problems, homelessness, and crime that are affecting the atmosphere. This has certainly impacted club attendance and the overall sense of safety and enjoyment for our patrons.
News Directory 3: It’s noted that festivals and other events are now competing for audiences. How has this influenced Watergate’s attendance?
Ulrich Wombacher: The competition has intensified. While festivals offer unique experiences, the charm of an intimate club setting isn’t easily replicated. However, our attendance has noticeably declined as many people are drawn to these large-scale events. It creates an ever-shifting dynamic in the nightlife scene.
News Directory 3: Reflecting on Berlin’s history since the fall of the Berlin Wall, how do you think these changes mirror the city’s evolution?
Ulrich Wombacher: There is a profound sense of nostalgia for what Berlin once was. The city embraced its quirky, avant-garde identity, often labeled as “poor but sexy.” That charm is being eroded by rising rents and the commercialization of spaces that once had a unique character. It feels like we’re losing a part of our soul.
News Directory 3: What do you think this closure means for the future of club culture in Berlin?
Ulrich Wombacher: Club culture is incredibly fragile. It thrives in environments where creativity and freedom flourished. As the character of neighborhoods changes, we run the risk of losing that. It’s crucial for future venues to find ways to maintain the ethos that made places like Watergate so special.
News Directory 3: Lastly, as a founder, what legacy do you hope Watergate leaves behind?
Ulrich Wombacher: I hope Watergate is remembered as a place where people connected—not only through dance and music but also through a shared sense of community and inclusion. I want it to signify the spirit of resilience and creativity that Berlin embodied for so long. Even as we face challenges, our hope is to inspire future generations to keep that spirit alive.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Ulrich. It’s clear that the closure of Watergate marks an important moment in Berlin’s cultural history.
Ulrich Wombacher: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for brighter days in Berlin’s nightlife ahead.
Ulrich Wombacher, a founder of Watergate, spoke to the Berliner Zeitung about the neighborhood’s decline. He noted that Kreuzberg is no longer attractive, suffering from drug problems, homelessness, crime, and other visible issues. Club attendance has declined, and festivals now compete for audiences. Wombacher acknowledged the fragility of club culture and its changing nature.