Schlot

When Stefan Berker and John Kunkeler took over Schlot from its founders in 1996, they realised that the path to legal club operation in Kastanienallee was blocked. So they quickly moved to a basement under the Edison-Höfe, at the time one of the major renovation and new construction projects in Berlin-Mitte. This is where a truly ideal jazz cellar was created, characterised by iron, stone and wood – pure, raw and warm at the same time.

And there, the Schlot art factory still grooves and swings to this day, delighting jazz lovers from all over the world. Art before commerce is the motto of the Schlotfabrik. Art that also finds an audience, one might add. Because the programme management tends to take a measured approach to elitist genres such as free jazz. At the same time, however, blues and swing musicians also fit into the Schlot's open and unorthodox concept. In addition to jazz culture, literature and cabaret are also celebrated at the Schlot, the former even on a regular basis at the Sunday morning pint.

Local & international

The acts that perform at the Kunstfabrik are mostly from Berlin. Anyone who can demonstrate skill and musicality has a good chance of getting on stage at Schlot. And the latter is not only known for its programme, but also for its dimensions. The rooms at the new venue allow the jazz club to have a stage size that is also suitable for big bands. And so almost all of Berlin's big jazz bands have already played at Schlot.

For decades, the Schlot has also cultivated international jazz relationships. These began with Czech musicians and have grown over the years into a large international network. This is particularly evident at the My Unique Festival, which celebrated its 12th edition in 2025. Here, jazz artists from many countries present themselves to the Berlin audience and make important contacts.

Young musicians perform at Schlot

Berker and Kunkeler have always been committed to supporting young talent. The Kunstfabrik has long-standing relationships with Berlin's music schools, especially the Musikschule City West and the Musikschule Paul Hindemith in Neukölln, and has accompanied and promoted many young talents on their way to becoming professional jazz musicians. The schools' final concerts are regularly held at Schlot.
And the school big band, which has rehearsed for a whole year for a performance, also finds a stage and an audience here.

Conveniently located and reasonably priced

The forced move to Invalidenstraße turned out to be a blessing for the club, which now has a new, much larger catchment area in the middle of Mitte. Nordbahnhof station and various tram stops are just around the corner. Art before commerce also applies to admission prices. Even for concerts by well-known artists, you often only have to pay 15 euros (reduced 10 euros).

Your visit will be even cheaper from Monday to Thursday, when admission to events is free. You can also enter the Kunstfabrik free of charge for the literary Frühshoppen on Sundays.

In addition to art, Schlot also caters to the physical well-being of its guests. The menu is varied, ranging from a Schmalzstulle (bread with lard) for a modest £1.50 to soups and opulent cheese platters.

Our tips

• Leave your car at home and take public transport to Nordbahnhof or the Natural History Museum.
• Don't miss the small exhibition "Berlin Jatzzt" in the hallway and visitor room of the Schlot with historical photographs and flyers from the 1940s to the 1970s.
• Combine your visit to the Schlot with a trip to the Museum of Natural History. Admire the exhibits there during the day and enjoy a concert at the jazz club in the evening.

Your visit to Schlot

The Schlot art factory is centrally located in Berlin and easily accessible by public transport. The Nordbahnhof (S1, S2, S41, S42, tram lines M10, M8 and 12) and Naturkundemuseum (U6) stops are in the immediate vicinity. It is only 200 metres to the door of the Schlot.

Admission is always one hour before the concert begins (usually 8 p.m. for evening events).

When: Opens one hour before the programme begins
Where: Kunstfabrik Schlot, in the Edison-Höfe – Invalidenstraße 117 (also accessible via Schlegelstraße 26), Mitte