Curious about the name of this place? The building before you is called the Scheune which means barn in German. But don’t let the name fool you. The Scheune in Dresden is no ordinary barn. This is a vibrant cultural center.
Originally, this spot housed three buildings. They belonged to a gymnastics club. Sadly, those buildings were destroyed in the bombings of 1945.
In 1951, the Jugendklub Martin Andersen Nexö opened here. It was a youth club named after a local hero. Legend says that Walter Ulbricht, a prominent DDR leader, refused to have it named after him. He said, “I won’t give my name to this Scheune.” So the name stuck.
Initially, the Scheune offered activities like cooking and sewing classes. Soon, music filled its halls. In the 1960s, people danced the Lipsi here to live bands.
The 1980s brought change. The Scheune became a hub for alternative culture. Blues fans and punks found a home here. Hip-hop and punk rock took root under Gunther Neustadt’s guidance. The Scheune gained fame far beyond Dresden. It became a unique spot in the socialist cultural landscape. Staff enjoyed a certain freedom.
Even after 1989, when many new clubs opened, the Scheune remained vital. Since 2007, the Scheune e.V. has managed this cultural center. Almost daily, events take place here. These range from concerts to theater and film. Parties are also a regular feature.
The Scheune is currently undergoing renovations. It is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. The operations have temporarily moved to the “Blechschloss”. This is a modular container structure on the Scheune’s forecourt.
The Schaubudensommer is one of the biggest events. It is a theater and cabaret festival. It is organized with the Schaubude Dresden e.V. The garden behind the Scheune becomes a vibrant space. It offers diverse shows for all ages.
Before the Scheune was built, there was a gym. Apparently, even Erich Kästner did his gymnastics here.
The surrounding neighborhood was deliberately neglected in the 1980s. The plan was to tear it down. Artists and bohemians moved in. They laid the foundation for the “Bunte Republik Neustadt”. Today, the area is known for its vibrant culture and many restaurants.
The Scheune has truly become a Dresden institution. It continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.