Funkhaus Berlin, located at Nalepastraße 18, 12459 Berlin, stands as one of the city’s most evocative nightlife and cultural venues, steeped in both architectural and musical history. Originally constructed between 1951 and 1956, Funkhaus was designed by the acclaimed architect Franz Ehrlich as the state radio station of the former GDR (East Germany). The sprawling, riverside complex is a paragon of mid-century modernist architecture with acoustically engineered spaces that remain unmatched in their quality, purpose-built for broadcasting and recording orchestras and radio dramas of the era.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the site languished semi-dormant for years until it was revitalized as a haven for musicians, producers, and nightlife aficionados. In recent years, Funkhaus has gained international acclaim for hosting renowned electronic music festivals, boundary-pushing club nights, and unique one-off concerts, transforming it into a centerpiece of Berlin’s contemporary cultural landscape. Its main halls and studios, especially the illustrious Saal 1, regularly attract diverse crowds who come as much for the impeccable sound quality as for the storied ambiance.

Despite its adaptation for live events and club culture, the structure and spirit of Funkhaus remain largely intact, preserving much of the original wood paneling, analog technology, and historic fixtures, even as new additions create a seamless blend of old Berlin and modern nightlife. Today, Funkhaus epitomizes the city’s ability to celebrate its past while fostering innovation in music and the performing arts, serving as a meeting point for local talent and global superstars alike. Notable artists who have performed at Funkhaus Berlin include international luminaries such as Nils Frahm, Bonobo, Thom Yorke, Autechre, and Ólafur Arnalds, as well as local icons like Apparat, Modeselektor, and Paul Kalkbrenner.

The venue has also played host to pivotal events featuring acts like Sónar Festival artists, Kiasmos, Woodkid, Tangerine Dream, and avant-garde composer Max Richter, alongside countless capable Berlin-based DJs and performers who have contributed to the venue’s ongoing evolution and cultural resonance.