Iconic Berlin nightclub Watergate closes doors after 22 years

After 22 years of housing nights filled with dance music, Watergate in Berlin had announced that it is permanently closing.

The riverside venue has been operating since 2002 and will close its doors at the end of this year. Its Instagram post had been filled with DJs commenting and thanking the club for the opportunity to perform there. Charlotte de Witte, Rodriguez Jr., and Solomun had all shown gratitude, saying that Watergate closing will have a profound impact on the community. 

Watergate had explained that financial issues are a major part of the decision, citing the difficulties that the nightlife in Berlin faces. Its official statement had noted that, “high rents, war, inflation, rising costs,” and more are the reasons for the closing. The pressures of rebuilding after the COVID-19 lockdown had also come up in the statement, as did the impact of the ever-evolving club scene in the city. 

Located under the Oberbaum Bridge, Watergate has been a premiere nightclub for dance music since it opened. Hundreds of artists have danced through the club as it rose and established itself in Berlin over the last two decades. The globally-known venue promised that it will be hosting a series of events through December. 

Watergate has shows scheduled almost every night in September. It will welcome artists including Gome, Vintage Culture, and more in the coming weeks. Shows for October have not been released yet but producers like Matroda, Korolova, and Damian Lazarus have played recently.

Watergate closing comes after the shutting down of other Berlin clubs since the pandemic. Renate recently revealed that it will also be closing due to the rising cost of rent.

The full statement on the Watergate closing is on its official website. For updates on its final events, keep up with the club on social media. Just as it declared at the end of its announcement, “The party is over – long live the party!”

Featured Image Facebook / Watergate Club