Tacheles

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  The premises of the exhibition house Fotografiska in Oranienburger Straße.

• November 19, 2019, Berlin: Security forces stand at the former entrance of the former cultural center Tacheles.

For many years, the Tacheles was the epitome of the alternative art and culture scene in Berlin. Today, little remains of the former art and cultural centre.

The building on Oranienburger Straße was given the name Tacheles in the 1990s by an artists' initiative. The building was part of the Friedrichstraßenpassagen constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, which stretched from Oranienburger to Friedrichstraße. During World War II, the Nazis used the building; then, during the GDR regime, the Free German Trade Union Federation.

Squatting by the Tacheles Artists' Initiative

The building was only slightly damaged during the Second World War. Nevertheless, it was to be blown up after the fall of communism in February 1990. But shortly before demolition, the artists' initiative Tacheles occupied the building. Instead of demolition, it was possible to get the building listed as a historical monument. Over time, the name of the artists' initiative was adopted by the entire building.

A Mainstay of the Berlin Art Scene

Gradually, the Tacheles building established itself as a permanent fixture in Berlin's art and cultural scene. Numerous studios, exhibition spaces, a cinema, a bar and larger rooms for concerts, readings, etc. made the Tacheles a diverse and innovative place and a magnet for Berliners and tourists.

Forced Eviction of the Tacheles

After the lease between the artists' collective and the building owner was no longer renewed, long public discussions about preserving the Tacheles and using the building took place - unsuccessfully. The forced eviction took place in 2012.

Start of Renovation in 2016

A new future for the Tacheles has been decided upon in 2016. On the site of the building, which had been vacant since, preliminary work for the construction of a new urban quarter began on April 4, 2016. The area is to be redeveloped and used for offices, stores and apartments. There is also a further cultural use: the Swedish photography museum Fotografiska opened a branch in the former Tacheles in September 2023.

The new Tacheles in Berlin-Marzahn

After the forced eviction from the building on Oranienburger Straße, the artists' collective let the Tacheles emerge anew at a different location: the Neue Börse Marzahn and Marzahner Chaussee. Here, artists from France, Italy, India and Latin America have converted stables and barracks into studios. In addition, the artists' initiative continues to exist on the internet.

Information

• Address:
  Oranienburger Straße 54
  13437 Berlin
  City map