Berlin’s legendary nightclub Watergate is set to permanently close its doors at the end of 2024, as confirmed by Resident Advisor. The decision comes amidst significant economic challenges, with rising operating costs rendering the venue unsustainable.
Co-founder Ulrich Wombacher elaborated on the various factors leading to this difficult choice, citing inflation, soaring energy costs, general price increases, and significantly high rent. He pointed out a changing nightlife landscape, where larger events and festivals are increasingly favored over traditional club settings.
Wombacher stated that, rather than jeopardizing financial stability, the club opted to cease operations while it still retains control. Consequently, Watergate will not renew its lease beyond 2024.
Opened in 2002 at Oberbaumbrücke, Berlin, Watergate has been a cornerstone of the electronic music scene for over twenty years, hosting countless celebrated DJs and music producers throughout its existence.
The venue plans to honor its final year with a lineup of closing events from October to December, showcasing performances from prominent artists. Exact dates for these celebrations will be announced soon.
This announcement follows the closure of another Berlin hotspot, Renate, which shares the same property owner as Watergate. Both venues cited similar financial difficulties and rising rents as contributing factors to their closures.
Watergate faced uncertainty back in 2017 when its rent doubled, which led the club to diversify its offerings to accommodate increased costs.
