Alter Schlachthof

“A symphony of mooing cattle once echoed here,” I begin, gesturing towards the imposing structure of the Alter Schlachthof. Can you imagine the hustle and bustle of Dresden’s central slaughterhouse in the late 19th century? The Alter Schlachthof, built in 1871, served as the heart of the city’s meat processing for over three decades. This very building, with its sturdy sandstone walls and riveted iron beams, witnessed the daily rhythm of livestock arriving and meat departing. Originally located on Leipziger Straße, the Alter Schlachthof now stands on Gothaer Straße, a name change that occurred in 1995. Think of the transformation. From the clatter of cleavers and the scent of fresh meat to the electrifying pulse of live music. In 1998, the Alter Schlachthof was reborn. It shed its industrial past and embraced its future as a vibrant cultural venue. Today, two concert halls, the Großer Saal and the Kleiner Saal, host a diverse array of performances. The larger hall can hold an impressive 2000 standing or 1010 seated guests, while the smaller hall accommodates 900 standing or 492 seated. Interestingly, the Alter Schlachthof even had its own electricity works back in its slaughterhouse days. And in 1879, a restaurant was added to the complex, followed by a specialized school for butcher apprentices in 1895. But progress marches on. The rise of the new slaughterhouse in the Ostragehege area, now the Messe Dresden, led to the closure of the Alter Schlachthof in 1907. Yet, its story didn’t end there. The Alter Schlachthof survived, a testament to Dresden’s rich industrial heritage. It has witnessed various transformations throughout the 20th century, serving as a warehouse and other industrial spaces before its ultimate revival as a concert venue. Even the legendary Jan Garbarek graced this stage in 2007, recording his first official live album, “Dresden,” right here at the Alter Schlachthof. So next time you attend a concert within these historic walls, close your eyes for a moment. Let the echoes of the past mingle with the vibrant energy of the present. The Alter Schlachthof, a place where the history of industry meets the rhythm of music.