SESH

Kraftwerk, Tresor/Globus, and OHM are three iconic nightclubs in Berlin, Germany, deeply intertwined with the city's unparalleled techno and electronic music culture. Their stories are central to the evolution of Berlin nightlife, carrying rich histories and influential reputations. Tresor first opened in 1991 in the vaults of a former department store on Leipziger Straße in Mitte, emerging as a sanctuary after the fall of the Berlin Wall and quickly solidifying itself as a key player in the rise of techno and the new pan-German nightlife.

The club's defining features were its raw industrial aesthetics and a focus on hard, hypnotic techno, helping to facilitate an exchange between Detroit and Berlin that shaped the genre worldwide. Tresor is famously associated with its main room (Tresor) and the upstairs area (Globus), which offered deeper house and more melodic techno sounds. Over time, the original venue closed in 2005 due to redevelopment, but a passionate team led by founder Dimitri Hegemann soon found a new home in the Kraftwerk building, a decommissioned power plant in Berlin’s Mitte district.

Kraftwerk itself is an immense, cathedral-like space that now serves as a hub for club nights, art installations, and festivals—most notably, the Berlin Atonal festival—further cementing the legacy that began with Tresor. OHM, meanwhile, is nestled in a former electrical substation adjacent to the Kraftwerk complex. Smaller and more intimate than its neighbors, OHM has garnered a devoted following for its high-quality sound, experimental programming, and communal atmosphere, welcoming diverse crowds and daring lineups.

Its ingenious use of industrial charm and dedication to innovative music reflect a microcosm of Berlin’s broader nightlife ethos. Musically and culturally, Tresor/Globus, Kraftwerk, and OHM have not only showcased international stars and local legends but also played crucial roles in breaking new talent, advancing cross-cultural exchanges, and maintaining Berlin's status as the global techno capital. Their spaces and ethos have adapted to the times, continually reimagining themselves while honoring the traditions of subcultural resistance and creative exploration.

Notable artists who have performed at these venues include Jeff Mills, Robert Hood, Juan Atkins, Blake Baxter, DJ Hell, Sven Väth, Surgeon, Marcel Dettmann, Ben Klock, Dasha Rush, DJ Stingray, Helena Hauff, Moritz von Oswald, Mark Ernestus, Function, Ellen Allien, Richie Hawtin, The Hacker, Octave One, Anthony Rother, Luke Slater, Regis, Paula Temple, Objekt, Call Super, and Steffi, alongside innumerable emerging talents from Berlin's vibrant electronic music community.