Tresor, a club that’s not just about beats but also about breaking barriers. From its underground beginnings to its global acclaim, Tresor has been at the forefront of Berlin’s musical identity.
In March 1991, the first permanent techno club in Berlin, Tresor, opened its doors, or its door. Tresor is the German word for vault. The club owes its name to its literal former use. It was the underground vault of a department store named Wertheim, Dr. Hanno Hochmuth, from the Department of History and Cultural Studies at the Friedrich Meinecke Institute, explains: “It was in World War II that the Wertheim was bombed, but the vault survived the bombings. When they cleaned the remnants, they left the vault underground and when the wall was built in 1961, they flattened the ground above it. The vault stood right in the middle of a place referred to as no-man land between the East and West Berlin walls. For years only the East German border patrols had access. Until Dimitri Hagemann, founder of Tresor, rediscovered this secret underground place after the fall of the wall. Not long after Tresor officially opened its door.”
“While there already was the development of a techno scene in West Berlin before the fall of the Berlin Wall, this historic event served as a powerful catalyst for the evolution of techno music, with Detroit techno gaining popularity in the city,” reflects Hochmuth. “Dimitri Hageman played a pivotal role in introducing this sound to Berlin. Both Detroit and Berlin, as former industrial cities, share similarities,” he continues. “The economic crises in Detroit left behind abandoned factory buildings, perfect venues for undisturbed parties. The Detroit techno sound vividly captures the atmosphere of those factories, echoing their mechanical pulse and industrial spirit,” Hochmuth adds “In 1990, Berlin was akin to Detroit in many ways. The aftermath of reunification left the city with abandoned factories and power plants, with techno emerging as the anthem of de-industrialization. People sought solace in the music, eager to escape reality and immerse themselves in the present moment it fostered a culture of openness and living for the here and now.”
Tresor today, a beacon of inclusivity
Chloe Lula behind the decks
DJ Chloe Lula has been spinning records for nearly a decade now, taking her beats from Tokyo to San Francisco, and from Berghain to Renate. “Tresor holds a special place in my heart as my favorite venue to perform,” she shares. “I feel the freedom to play whatever I want, the energy is electrifying, the sound system is amazing, and the team I collaborate with is exceptional; Tresor feels like family. Chloe continues “Within these walls there is an immersive atmosphere, shrouded in darkness and mist, pulsating with a crowd clinging to the DJ booth’s bars. The intensity is always there, the sweat drips, and the energy is simply electric.” She adds, “What also sets Tresor apart is their commitment to innovation and
GYDAH before preforming at Tresor, where the no-photo policy extends to DJs as well.
inclusivity. They constantly seek fresh talent, fostering a diverse and welcoming environment. In addition to this, Sophia Diem who as a DJ is better known as GYDAH, acknowledges this, she is a part of Pushnetwork. In an interview she talks about their role in promoting FLINTA (Female, Lesbian, Intersexual, Non-Binary, Transgender, Agender) individuals. She also emphasizes the honor of performing at Tresor.
Dr. Anita Jóri, a research associate at the Universität der Künste in Berlin, highlights Tresor as a beacon of progress for other clubs in the industry. “Tresor has done an exceptional job, even before the pandemic began,” she observes. “However, during the pandemic and upon reopening, they undertook a complete overhaul of their staffing. Notably, their approach to security personnel has shifted away from the traditional stereotype of burly, tattooed bouncers. Instead, Tresor has embraced diversity by including queer individuals, non-binary, and transgender individuals among their staff, which is truly commendable.”
Anita Jori durring a lectue about electronic music
She emphasizes the significance of Tresor’s leadership role within the club scene. “Tresor serves as a vital role model for larger clubs,” she explains. “When establishments like Tresor prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their staffing, it sets a powerful example for others to follow. Conversely, if smaller clubs witness a lack of diversity in front of larger venues, they may question the importance of diversifying their own staff. However, when they witness the transformation at Tresor, it inspires them to consider similar initiatives. This ripple effect is crucial for fostering positive change throughout the industry.”
In conclusion, Tresor’s innovative spirit and commitment to inclusivity, for their lineups and their staffing have significantly shaped Berlin’s techno scene and have also made notable contributions to fostering a culture of diversity within club environments. As a catalyst for change and a model of progress, Tresor’s enduring influence will likely continue to be felt across the music industry in the years ahead.
