Odonien is an iconic nightclub and cultural open-air venue located in the Ehrenfeld district of Cologne, Germany. Founded in 2005 by sculptor Odo Rumpf, Odonien occupies a unique space between an art project and an underground club, branding itself as the "art and culture workshop" of Cologne. The venue is set on a former scrap yard, which Rumpf began transforming into a creative hub, combining elements of industrial art with community-driven events and alternative nightlife experiences.

The site itself is an eclectic mix of welded sculptures, salvaged machinery, and DIY constructions that have evolved considerably over the years, giving Odonien a post-apocalyptic, almost surreal visual identity. From its inception, Odonien quickly gained a reputation not just as a techno nightclub, but as a multidisciplinary events space hosting art installations, open-air cinemas, theater, and various subcultural gatherings. Its outdoor dancefloor and relaxed, non-commercial atmosphere have made it a sanctuary for creative expression and experimental music in Cologne’s vibrant scene.

Odonien has remained at its original location but has seen significant development and expansion in terms of its infrastructure—gradually adding covered dancefloors, functional indoor spaces, workshops, and enhanced lighting and sound systems, all while retaining its raw, industrial charm. Importantly, the venue is known for its open-door ethos and collaborative projects, embracing both local communities and international artists. Odonien’s significance is reflected in its resilience as an independent venue in the face of gentrification pressures and its persistent campaign to remain a bastion of alternative culture, especially as Cologne’s club landscape has faced increasing commercialisation and the loss of other grassroots spaces.

Notable artists and DJs who have performed at Odonien include international figures such as Dasha Rush, Acid Pauli, Tijana T, Ellen Allien, and Dr. Rubinstein, as well as respected local talents like Sedef Adasi, Philipp Fein, and Sebastian Habben. Odonien has also regularly featured collectives like Bassfalter, Rausgegangen, and Wilde Renate’s crew from Berlin, further enhancing its stature as a key stop in Germany’s underground electronic music circuit.