Freudenhaus Hase

Hidden within Berlin’s vibrant Gesundbrunnen district lies Freudenhaus Hase. It’s not just a brothel. It’s a unique blend of sensuality and creativity, a place where art and pleasure intertwine. Freudenhaus Hase opened its doors as Berlin’s first “Laufhaus” on January 3, 2005. But even before its official designation, since 1996, the venue has hosted a diverse array of artistic expressions. Artists like Wolfgang Ramisch, Ipett Schwarzweldt, and Gabriele Trillhaase have graced its walls with their works. Photographer Zohar Kaniel and Plastik-Art artist Dodi Reifenberg have also contributed to the Hase’s creative tapestry. In 2006, Freudenhaus Hase became an unconventional stage for “Freudendienste,” a play commissioned by the renowned Hebbel am Ufer theater. Conceived by artist and director Annette Kuß, the play delved into the complexities of prostitution. Kuß collaborated with sex workers and the advocacy group Hydra e.V. to craft a performance that sparked critical dialogue. The play’s premiere on January 14th, followed by a concert by queer artist Claire Grube, marked the beginning of a thought-provoking run. Media outlets, including ARTE, 3sat, and RBB, along with publications like taz, Berliner Morgenpost, Freitag, and Focus, covered both the play and its unusual venue. The Freudenhaus Hase’s role extended beyond just hosting the play. The experiences of the sex workers and their clients became integral to the narrative. This fusion of art and reality even drew the attention of an ethnographic conference in Berlin in 2006. Fast forward to 2013, Freudenhaus Hase found itself in the spotlight again, this time as one of the “crime scenes” for the Berlin Krimimarathon. Freudenhaus Hase continues to be a place where the lines between art and life blur, a testament to Berlin’s ever-evolving cultural landscape.