Artheater is a well-known nightclub and cultural venue located in Cologne, Germany, specifically in the trendy Ehrenfeld district. Opening its doors in the late 1990s, Artheater quickly established itself as an essential hub for the city’s vibrant nightlife and underground music scene. Housed in a converted industrial building, the venue’s unique architecture combines raw industrial charm with contemporary design, providing an atmospheric backdrop for a diverse lineup of events.

Originally conceived as a multidisciplinary arts space, Artheater’s programming has always straddled the boundary between performing arts, live concerts, theatre, and electronic music. Its club nights are celebrated for their inclusiveness and boundary-pushing bookings, making it a cornerstone in Cologne’s electronic, techno, and house music communities. Unlike many venues that have struggled with the pressures of urban development, Artheater has remained in its original location at Ehrenfeldgürtel 127, although its interior has been renovated and expanded over the years to accommodate growing audiences and the evolving needs of performers and promoters.

The club’s reputation for high-quality sound, intimate dance floors, and a steadfast commitment to community-building have cemented its significance not only as a nightlife institution but also as a catalyst for local artistic expression, fostering collaborations and providing early platforms for emerging talent. Some of the notable artists who have performed at Artheater include international acts such as Ben Klock, DVS1, Nastia, Helena Hauff, KiNK, and DJ Seinfeld, alongside prominent local and national artists like Dixon, Roman Flügel, Helena Hauff, Motor City Drum Ensemble, and local collectives such as Reineke Fuchs and anyone from the Kompakt label roster. The venue also regularly features performances by experimental and genre-defying artists, consistently attracting both global heavyweights and nurturing the next wave of Cologne’s electronic music innovators.