SESH

Collegium Hungaricum Berlin (CHB), located at Dorotheenstraße 12, 10117 Berlin, is not your typical nightclub but rather a renowned cultural institute and event venue that serves as the hub for Hungarian culture in Berlin. Founded in 1924 by Hungarian émigrés and intellectuals as part of a global network of Hungarian cultural institutions, the CHB originally sought to foster cultural exchange and dialogue between Hungary and Germany. Though its original building was destroyed during World War II, the institute was reestablished in a striking modernist structure in 2007 designed by German-Hungarian architect Peter P.

Schweger, right in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte district. Over its history, CHB has developed a unique reputation: while it hosts art exhibitions, literary readings, and academic symposia, it is particularly lauded for its vibrant contributions to Berlin’s nightlife and underground club culture. Its expansive, flexible event spaces have been used for experimental electronic music nights, crossover concerts, and conceptual performance art.

CHB maintains strong connections with Berlin’s avant-garde music scene, acting as a bridge for contemporary Hungarian sounds into the international sphere. Its programming is recognized for being intellectually adventurous, politically engaged, and artistically innovative, frequently collaborating with festivals like CTM and Transmediale. As Berlin’s club landscape has shifted, with various venues closing or relocating due to gentrification, CHB’s position in Mitte has remained stable, offering a consistent and progressive platform for both local and visiting artists.

Its blend of institutional backing and subcultural spirit has made it a key site for cross-cultural experimentation and for championing emerging Eastern European talent alongside global names. Notable artists who have performed at CHB include international acts like DJ Hell, DJ Marcelle, and Pantha du Prince, as well as leading Hungarian experimental musicians like Márk Bartha, Zsolt Sőrés, and Dóra Attila. Local Berlin-based performers frequent the venue, with previous lineups featuring artists and collectives such as Klangforum Wien, members of the CTM Festival circle, and interdisciplinary performers like Mary Ocher and Arnold Dreyblatt.