The KitKatClub is a renowned nightclub located in
Berlin, Germany, famous for its hedonistic atmosphere, progressive values, and uninhibited parties. Founded in 1994 by Austrian pornographic filmmaker Simon Thaur and his partner Kirsten Krüger, the club emerged at the intersection of the techno, fetish, and queer scenes in the years following the fall of the
Berlin Wall. KitKatClub quickly established itself as a sanctuary for sexual liberation, creative self-expression, and electronic music, drawing an eccentric crowd with its explicit dress code and open-minded ethos.
The club’s name is partly a nod to the notorious "Kit Kat Klub" from the musical Cabaret, invoking the bohemian, decadent spirit of Weimar-era
Berlin. Over the years, the venue has become a symbol of
Berlin’s unique subculture, gaining international fame for its legendary parties, strict yet inclusive door policy, and distinctive blend of music, performance art, and eroticism. Originally located in the Sage Club on
Berlin’s Heinrich-Heine-Straße, the KitKatClub has moved several times, adapting to changes in the city’s nightlife landscape and gentrification pressures, before finally settling since 2001 in the “Am Wriezener Bahnhof,” a former swimming pool near Ostbahnhof.
The architecture of the venue—a sprawling, multi-room complex that still contains elements of the old pool—adds to the surreal and immersive atmosphere. KitKatClub’s reputation has not come without controversy; it has faced scrutiny from local authorities and the media due to its open approach to sexuality and permissive party culture, but has managed to endure as an iconic venue in
Berlin and an enduring bastion of alternative nightlife.
Notable artists who have performed at KitKatClub include internationally acclaimed DJs such as Paul van Dyk, Chris Liebing, Monika Kruse, and DJ Hell.
The club has also featured sets by local
Berlin techno heavyweights like Ellen Allien and Tobi Neumann, as well as performers from the global LGBTQ+ scene such as Honey Dijon and Jennifer Cardini. Over the years, acts like Marc Houle, Miss Kittin, and Boris have graced its decks, contributing to the KitKatClub’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge electronic music and performance art.