Tresor Club | Kraftwerk Berlin
A “must” for all ravers
There’s hardly been another club that’s had such a big impact on the techno scene as the Tresor. The most famous techno club in the world with its industrial flair has been the stage for appearances by many internationally acclaimed artists – DJ‘s such as Marusha and Paul van Dyk began their career here. The fair door policy operated here allows everybody to get a glimpse of the inside of the legendary Tresor and take part in raves that last for days.
Originally housed in the vault of an empty department stores' on Leipziger Straße, the club moved to a former cogeneration plant in 2007. The raw industrial charm of the premises makes a visit a typical Berlin experience. The club is often used for immersive art exhibitions and performances.
The door of the original Tresor Club can be seen today in the Berlin Global exhibition at the Humboldt Forum. After all, club culture is part of Berlin's identity.
Tresor / Kraftwerk Berlin - FAQs
What is the connection between Tresor and Kraftwerk Berlin?
Since May 2007, the legendary techno club Tresor has been located in the southern part of the decommissioned Berlin-Mitte power station. The industrial architecture of the former power station, including the concrete vaults and ruined structure, characterises the dark, labyrinthine atmosphere of the club.
What kind of power station was the Tresor Club once?
The Kraftwerk Berlin is the former Berlin-Mitte thermal power station on Köpenicker Straße in the Mitte district. It was built in the early 1960s parallel to the Berlin Wall and supplied large parts of East Berlin with electricity and heat until 1997. The southern wing has been empty since 1997 and was later converted into an event venue.
Where was the Tresor originally located and when did it move to the power station?
The Tresor was opened in March 1991 in the vault of the Wertheim department stores' in Leipziger Straße. After several years, it moved to its current location in Kraftwerk Berlin in 2007 to continue its work there
What makes the atmosphere in the Tresor special?
Tresor welcomes visitors with concrete vaults, massive steel mesh doors, old lockers (some of which were taken over from the original location) and a claustrophobic feeling - perfect for the hard techno aesthetic, especially Detroit techno.
What rooms and floors does Tresor offer today?
The club is divided into several areas:
- Main floor ("battery room"): Main dance floor with electro and house music.
- Bar: Quiet, experimental electronic sound with a view of the ruins.
- Vault (basement accessible via tunnel): Authentic basement floor with uncompromising sound, close to its techno roots.
Are there cultural and historical exhibitions at the Kraftwerk?
Yes, in addition to clubbing, Kraftwerk Berlin regularly hosts exhibitions and art projects. For example, "Tresor 31" - an exhibition and concert series - was a tribute to three decades of Tresor history that took place at Kraftwerk. Other examples include the expansive light and sound installations by Christopher Bauder and Dark Matter or by the LAS Art Foundation. Of course, the architecture of the former power station also contributes to the appeal of the exhibitions.
What significance does Tresor have in techno culture?
Tresor is one of the most influential techno clubs in the world. It was central to Berlin's techno culture, especially after reunification, and promoted DJs such as Jeff Mills and Underground Resistance. in 1991, Dimitri Hegemann founded the Tresor label - a formative impulse for the scene.
How can I visit Tresor or find events?
Information on current programmes, exhibitions and events can be found on the official website of Kraftwerk Berlin and Tresor Berlin and in our events calendar.
