Imagine you are walking through an architectural monument that has landed like a spaceship in the middle of Berlin: welcome to the International Congress Centre, better known as the ICC.
On the weekend of 11 to 14 September , the legendary building will once again open its doors for 49 hours to mark Open Monument Day and invite you to experience its interior, which is otherwise closed to the public. The ICC is one of the most important buildings of German post-war modernism and impresses with its extraordinary aesthetics and futuristic aura.
To see the ICC from the inside, you will need a free or pre-booked ticket. You can still get hold of such a ticket as part of the varied supporting programme. You can find the current status of all tickets, times and meeting points on this page:
Tickets and offers
Tip 1: 49h ICC: Movie Nights
At the Movie Nights, two legendary film classics come together in a building that could pass for a science fiction backdrop: "Blade Runner" and "Metropolis". Don't miss the opportunity to see these cinematic masterpieces in OmU on the big screen at the ICC, because this could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The monumental Hall 1 becomes a stage for cinematic visions: "Blade Runner" unfolds its dark future atmosphere in one of the largest halls in Europe, while "Metropolis" builds a bridge between past and future as a restored silent film classic.
Tip 2: Pop-up bistro Pullman Lounge
The Pullman Lounge at the ICC exudes pure 1970s charm. If you look at the turquoise and green panels on the dotted carpet, you can imagine how businessmen and women from all over (West) Berlin, Germany, Europe and the world met here and held major congresses until 2014.
As part of 49h ICC, the legendary Pullman Lounge of the ICC Berlin is opening its doors again for a short time and impresses with a very special culinary concept. Herrlich Dining, known for exceptional moments of indulgence, is transforming the iconic lounge into a vegetarian pop-up deli bistro. If you want to experience this unique combination of design, history and cuisine, you should hurry to book - places are limited.
Tip 3: Work up a sweat with exclusive underground cycling
The former taxi forecourt of the ICC becomes a spectacular stage for an unforgettable cycling class. Here, where orange-coloured tiles and brutalist architecture made film history, ride.bln provides a top-class workout with professional trainers, loud music and pulsating energy. The backdrop? Famous from blockbusters such as "John Wick" or "The Hunger Games". The feeling? Between science fiction, monument and adrenaline rush.
The paid tickets are always valid for the duration of the programme and a 90-minute tour of the ICC. This means that after your cycling class, you can relax and explore the ICC.
Tip 4:Morning yoga in the forgotten roof garden
Surrounded by the flair of concrete architecture and the sound of the city motorway, the Hagius Studio creates a quiet space for mindfulness, movement and conscious breathing on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The session is aimed at all levels of experience and helps to balance body and mind where a futuristic terrace above the A100 motorway was once planned. Yoga mats are provided, all you need is comfortable clothing.
Tip 5: Visit the FORM/FUTURE conference
If you would like to use the ICC for its original purpose, you can visit the FORM/FUTURE design conference. For two days, everything revolves around the question of how design as a mindset and tool can help shape social change. The conference builds on the architectural future spirit of the ICC and places Berlin at the centre as a "UNESCO City of Design".
Especially if you are studying design, architecture or art, it's worth getting your hands on one of the discounted student tickets and immersing yourself in the world of design.
Tip 6: Get exclusive merchandise
A Berlin Tourist Info will be set up at the ICC for the duration of the event, where you can purchase exclusive items that express your enthusiasm for the spaceship. Get yourself a limited edition T-shirt, a special LOQI bag, original socks or a poster.
You can also do everything else that our Berlin Tourist Info centre offers: You can get advice, book tickets or get tips for other interesting destinations for the Open Monument Day.
Merch sales opening hours:
- Friday: From 4 pm
- Saturday: All day
- Sunday: All day
Tip 7: Let your gaze wander from the roof garden
The roof garden of the ICC will be open to you. A bar will provide you with refreshing drinks. Here you can enjoy a wonderful view over late summer Berlin and great photo opportunities with the nearby radio tower and the city panorama in the background.
On Saturday from 19:30 to 20:30, the roof garden will be the venue for a lightsaber performance.
Opening hours ICC roof garden:
- Friday: Until 10 pm
- Saturday: Until 10 pm
- Sunday: Until 4 pm
Tip 8: Familiarise yourself with the history of the ICC
Have you got your free time slot ticket and can hardly wait? Then why not familiarise yourself with the history of the ICC? Because once you're there, you'll be completely overwhelmed by the gigantic architecture and the atmosphere. Although the ICC is also an iconic photo backdrop, it's always nice to know what's actually behind it. You can find the most important information at visitBerlin.de.
Tip 9: Discover the exhibition programme at the ICC
During 49h ICC, Berlin, as a UNESCO City of Design, focuses on architecture and design: the central light sculpture by designer Frank Oehring is being technically restored thanks to the support of the Wüstenrot Foundation and the State Office for the Protection of Monuments. You will also find previously unpublished drawings and models by the artist in the building, which provide exciting insights into his work.
These other exhibitions can be found in the ICC:
- The State Monuments Office sheds light on the architectural history of the ICC
- The Berlin Panorama design show opens up new perspectives on the creative scene
- The results of the Federal Environment Agency's prestigious Eco-Design Award show how sustainable design is shaping the future
Tip 10: Make your way to the citizens' office
On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a mobile citizens' office at the Alte Sparkasse at the ICC, where you can complete the next bureaucratic act of your choice flexibly and without prior registration. For example, you can apply for a new passport or ID card, change your address or apply for a registration certificate. The citizens' office is organised by CityLAB Berlin and shows you a smart and flexible solution for future urban development in action.
More about CityLab
Tip 11: Explore other offers for the Open Monument Day
On 14 September, not only the ICC, but countless historical buildings and hidden places in Berlin open their doors, which otherwise often remain closed. You can discover courtyards, villas, industrial sites and religious buildings and learn exciting facts about their past and future.
Many guided tours are accompanied by experts who will fascinate you with their knowledge. What's particularly nice is that admission is mostly free, so you can go on a relaxed discovery tour. Take the opportunity to be inspired by Berlin's diversity!
