E-Werk

In 1885, the hum of Berlin’s first electric streetcar echoed through the streets. That very power originated right here at the E-Werk. Originally called the Abspannwerk Buchhändlerhof, this building stands as a testament to Berlin’s electric evolution. E-Werk started as a central power station. The northern section of that original 1885 structure still exists, a tangible link to Berlin’s electric past. This makes it the oldest surviving example of commercial electricity production architecture in Germany. In the 1920s, the site evolved. Architect Hans Heinrich Müller designed the current substation. He faced a challenge: limited space due to surrounding housing blocks. His ingenious solution? Stacking the substations vertically, creating a unique nine-story structure around three light wells. World War II left its mark, and only the central, quadrant-shaped control room survived. This room became an iconic feature of the E-Werk. After the war, the E-Werk’s story took an unexpected turn. Before its rise to fame, the building served a more mundane purpose. It became a storage depot for street lamps. During this time, the building also hosted its first theatrical performances, a hint of its future artistic endeavors. Then, in 1992, Andreas Rossmann stumbled upon the E-Werk, recognizing its potential. The first party, the “Evidence Party,” took place in the frigid February of 1993, featuring performances by Low Spirit and Westbam. Open fire installations created a raw, Bronx-like atmosphere, setting the stage for E-Werk’s transformation into a legendary club. From April 1993, E-Werk became a hub for Berlin’s vibrant music scene. Names like DJ Clé, Hille Saul, Andreas Rossmann, Ralf Regitz, and Lee Waters shaped the club’s identity, hosting events like “TWIRL” and “Dubmission,” featuring both local regulars and international DJs. E-Werk became more than just a club. It hosted the Prodigy during the 1994 MTV European Music Awards, the Chromapark Techno Art Exhibition, a Versace gala dinner, and even a production of Don Giovanni. It was a melting pot of culture and creativity. The club’s aura attracted the who’s who of the techno scene: Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson, Carl Cox, Laurent Garnier, Sven Väth, DJ Hell, and Paul van Dyk, to name a few. Stories, both real and embellished, surround the E-Werk. Laurent Garnier’s legendary admiration for the venue and Naomi Campbell’s infamous restroom incident are just a taste of the club’s lore. In 1997, the E-Werk’s reign as a club ended with a three-day farewell party. 4,000 people danced the night away, a final tribute to a legendary venue. Today, the E-Werk has evolved once again. It’s now an event location with office spaces and residential units. And yet, a part of it still hums with the energy of its past. The Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe still uses the E-Werk to power subway lines 2 and 6. The spirit of Berlin’s electric history lives on, right here at the E-Werk.