Tresor / Globus is a legendary nightclub in
Berlin, Germany, renowned for its pivotal role in the evolution of techno music and electronic culture both locally and worldwide. The venue first opened its doors in March 1991 in the numinous vaults of a former department store—Kaufhaus Wertheim—on Leipziger Straße, located near Potsdamer Platz. Founded by Dimitri Hegemann, Tresor quickly became a symbol of the reunified city's underground nightlife, channeling the raw energy of post-Wall
Berlin into a haven for creativity, experimentation, and unity.
The club's initial location, with its labyrinthine chambers and dense concrete walls, provided an intense, industrial atmosphere that defined its character and influenced the development of techno as a genre. The adjacent floor, Globus, differentiated itself by offering a deeper, more house-oriented sound, complementing the harder techno pulse that reverberated through the main vault. Over time, the club's reputation grew internationally, drawing artists, producers, and fans from across the world, contributing to
Berlin's rise as the global epicenter of electronic music.
Marked by both continuity and change, Tresor's journey has not been devoid of obstacles. In 2005, the club was forced to close its original location due to urban redevelopment plans. However, in 2007, Tresor triumphantly reopened in the cavernous halls of a former power plant in Köpenicker Straße, preserving its industrial edge while expanding its scope.
The new venue retained the undiluted spirit of its past, continuing to operate both the intense, underground Tresor floor and the house-centric Globus floor, and thus maintaining a dual musical identity that appeals to diverse crowds. Through these transitions, Tresor has become more than just a nightclub—it has emerged as an influential cultural institution, running its own record label (Tresor Records), organizing festivals, and fostering cross-cultural exchanges with artists from
Detroit, the birthplace of techno, and other global hubs. The club's persistence and innovation have helped sustain
Berlin's reputation as a mecca for electronic music and nightlife.
Notable artists who have performed at Tresor / Globus include international pioneers such as Jeff Mills, Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Robert Hood from
Detroit, who formed the backbone of the early
Berlin-
Detroit techno connection. European and local luminaries like Sven Väth, Ellen Allien, Marcel Dettmann, DJ Hell, Ben Klock, Dr. Motte, and Monika Kruse have also graced its decks.
Regulars and residents including Blake Baxter, Pacou, Surgeon, DJ Rush, and Tresor’s Dimitri himself have kept the spirit alive, while contemporary stars such as Dasha Rush, Helena Hauff, and Nina Kraviz have further cemented the club’s enduring relevance.