Berlin Nightclub Cassiopeia Issued Eviction Notice, Faces Closure
Berlin, June 17, 2026 – The renowned Berlin nightclub Cassiopeia, located at the RAW-Gelände in Friedrichshain, has been served an eviction notice by the site’s owner, the Kurth Group, giving the venue two weeks to vacate its premises. This development has sparked concerns for the future of the club and numerous other cultural spaces within the industrial complex.
According to reports from RBB, the eviction could lead to the bankruptcy of Cassiopeia, a vital part of Berlin’s vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. The Kurth Group has reportedly demanded that several cultural institutions at the RAW-Gelände leave, citing alleged failures to pay rent and the use of space for ‘other purposes’.
Development Dispute and Zoning Plan Failure
The eviction notice comes amidst a long-standing dispute over the development of the RAW-Gelände. The Kurth Group had previously revealed plans to transform the area into a commercial and residential zone. RBB also reported that the Kurth Group has declared its zoning plan process a failure. This process is crucial as it dictates what can be built, developed, and preserved in a specific area.
The Berliner reports that this development has been a point of contention for years, with the Kurth Group’s vision for the site clashing with the existing cultural ecosystem. An L-shaped section of the RAW site, which is home to Cassiopeia and over 80 other projects, including a skate park and artist studios-collectively known as the ‘sociocultural L’-is now in jeopardy.
Cassiopeia as an ‘Anchor’ for Cultural Spaces
Florian Falkenhagen, managing director of Cassiopeia, informed RBB that the closure of the nightclub would have far-reaching consequences, particularly for its neighboring spaces. He emphasized that Cassiopeia acts as the ‘anchor’ of the site, implying its critical role in supporting the surrounding cultural projects.
Both Berlin’s Senate and the district office have voiced criticism regarding the Kurth Group’s decision, highlighting the broader impact on the city’s cultural landscape. The venue is currently engaged in negotiations to extend the deadline and ensure fair treatment for its staff, though the progress of these discussions remains unclear.
Community Support and Future Uncertainty
In a statement shared on Instagram yesterday, Cassiopeia expressed gratitude to its community for their unwavering support and affirmed its commitment to ‘not giving up’ yet. This sentiment underscores the strong bond between the club and its patrons, who are now rallying to preserve this iconic Berlin institution.
The potential closure of Cassiopeia is a significant blow to Berlin’s cultural fabric, raising questions about the future of independent venues and the balance between urban development and cultural preservation. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will determine not only the fate of Cassiopeia but also the broader trajectory of the RAW-Gelände as a cultural hub.
The situation at Cassiopeia is not isolated, as similar challenges have been faced by cultural institutions globally. For instance, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) in the UK has urged the government to recognize nightclubs as cultural institutions, emphasizing their importance beyond mere entertainment venues. Research in London also suggests a significant decline in clubs and pubs, with 57% projected to close by 2030, highlighting a wider trend of disappearing nightlife spaces.
As the two-week deadline approaches, the future of Cassiopeia and the ‘sociocultural L’ at RAW-Gelände hangs in the balance, with the community and local authorities keenly watching the developments.
