Competition to bring new perspectives for Berlin ICC

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  The International Congress Center Berlin (ICC Berlin) at the radio tower (r).

• There are 80 halls of different sizes in the building

• The ICC set standards in interior and exterior architecture

Investors and new ideas have long been sought for the former International Congress Center (ICC) at the Berlin Radio Tower - now the Senate is making a new attempt. In an international competition, concepts are to be developed to revitalize the huge building, which was shut down a decade ago and has only been used sporadically since then.

Investors, project developers and architectural firms are invited to submit their future concepts for what the economic administration describes as a “dormant masterpiece of international high-tech architecture”. The once largest congress center in Europe should once again become a place for art, culture, creativity, innovation and technology, it said. A winning concept for the refurbishment, further development and operation of the ICC is to be finalized by summer 2026.

For 99 years: State awards congress center via leasehold contract

“The ICC is a Berlin icon,” said Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey (SPD). “After ten years of stagnation, it is high time to bring this sleeping beauty back to life.” It remains to be seen whether the competition will ultimately result in a concept that is actually implemented. One limiting factor is likely to be the huge costs of millions for the renovation, which would have to be borne by the investor. The state does not want to renovate the ICC itself, but rather hand it over to an operator for 99 years via a leasehold contract.

ICC Berlin has been a listed building since 2019

The striking building - called the “spaceship” by Berliners - was opened in 1979. For decades, it shaped the western part of Berlin as an international trade fair and congress venue. The ICC was decommissioned in 2014 and has been a listed building since 2019. The 313-metre-long, 89-metre-wide and almost 40-metre-high steel giant has a gross floor area of 213,021 square meters. 80 halls and rooms offer a total of 14,500 seats.