Start enquiry
0 Start enquiry

Login

Search

Breadcrumb

Blog “49h ICC Berlin”: From Lost Place to Love Space

Guided tours, exhibitions and brand-new spaces – from 12 till 14 September 2025, the ICC Berlin will be opening its doors like never before for the Tag des offenen Denkmals. The International Congress Centre Berlin (ICC) – once a symbol of global exchange, pioneering architecture and major events in Berlin – is set to make a comeback in 2025 (for at least 49 hours). On the weekend of 12 till 14 September, the iconic venue will open its doors under the banner “49h ICC” as part of the Tag des offenen Denkmals – transforming once again into a magnet for Berliners, visitors and architecture lovers from around the globe.

20.08.2025

Miranda Meier Managerin Strategische Kommunikation

An interior view of the ICC, with people moving through the hall.

“49h ICC” is a visitBerlin project

Following the phenomenal success of its 2023 debut, which saw more than 30,000 people explore the ICC, this architectural spectacle will be brought to life once more. Visitors will have access to new areas that have until now remained closed – including the awe-inspiring “Saal 2”, the building’s second-largest hall. With guided tours, exhibitions and unique insights into the past, present and future of this architectural giant, the ICC will truly come alive for two days. Admission is free once again.

“49h ICC” is a visitBerlin project, made possible by the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, in close cooperation with the Berlin State Monument Authority and Messe Berlin.

From 11 to 12 September, the “Form/Future” design conference will bring together MICE industry professionals from around the world – a visionary prelude to a visionary weekend.

German→British English Translator sagte: People taking part in a lightsabre combat workshop held during the 49th ICC.

ICC Berlin: A place between past and future

This futuristic 1970s structure is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a venue rich in stories. For decades, the ICC helped shape Berlin’s reputation as an international trade fair and congress destination. After years of hosting glittering conferences, meetings and large-scale events, the ICC was officially closed in 2014. Some 35 years after its grand opening in April 1979, it faded from the public eye – a “Lost Place” in need of renovation and facing economic challenges. Since 2019, the building has been a listed monument.

ICC could host up to 20,000 people

With construction costs of around one billion D-Mark, it was the most expensive building project in West Berlin at the time. Its spaceship-like silver façade measures 313 metres long, 89 metres wide and 40 metres high – a monumental landmark. With 80 halls and rooms, the ICC could host up to 20,000 people, quickly becoming one of the largest congress centres in Europe. But it is not just the figures or the façade that fascinate. The real magic lies in the stories of the people who built, ran and experienced this place.

ICC made history

The ICC was always more than just a conference venue. Theodor Przybilla, the centre’s first and last sound engineer, considered it a unique work of total art. Its room-in-room concepts, technical innovations and forward-looking infrastructure made it a symbol of modern, progressive West Berlin. From international cultural events to medical and technology congresses and unforgettable one-offs, the ICC made history – such as the legendary tennis match with Boris Becker in Saal 1 that had the crowd spellbound. One particularly memorable moment came during Christmas 1981: while the flamboyantly dressed Orange Connection celebrated sexual liberation at the Sannyas Festival in Saal 2, the Vienna Boys' Choir sang hymns to the Virgin Mary in Saal 1. This stark juxtaposition pushed the organisers to their limits – and perfectly captured the ICC’s inimitable character.

Exterior view of the International Congress Center Berlin with its distinctive futuristic aluminum façade.

A Place of Images – for Film and Television Too

The ICC’s extraordinary architecture has frequently served as a spectacular backdrop for both national and international film productions. Numerous films and series – including John Wick, Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo, Foundation, Berlin Station and Captain America: Civil War – have used the building’s striking architecture and versatile interiors as a film set. In this way, the venue became a cultural space far beyond its original purpose.

Eyewitness Memories

Tens of thousands came to the 2023 premiere of “48h ICC” – among them many former staff, congress attendees and people with a long-standing connection to the building.

One particularly touching story came from Frau Holzheimer, whose husband was involved in the ICC’s construction. The couple attended the official opening together in 1979 – a moment that, decades later, came to life again for Frau Holzheimer during the first “48h ICC” in 2023. Frank Öhring, who designed the venue’s iconic signage system, also shared how he envisioned the ICC as a human body: with a red and blue wayfinding system as its “circulatory system”, running throughout the building. This fusion of technology, art and functionality continues to define the ICC’s unique spirit to this day.

The image shows many people inside the ICC

Ideas for the Future – Visions of a New Beginning

During the 2023 event, engaged citizens submitted a wealth of proposals for the ICC’s future use. Ideas ranged from a university campus and an arts centre to a techno club. What united all suggestions was a shared desire to bring the venue back to life. Then-Culture Senator Dr Klaus Lederer reaffirmed this in 2023: “The ICC is an indispensable landmark of Berlin.” Senator for the Economy Franziska Giffey also advocated for a sustainable refurbishment and revival as a congress and cultural venue. The concept process also made one thing clear: shopping malls, casinos and brothels are off-limits. The venue’s character must be preserved.

Looking ahead: What’s next for the ICC?

The future remains unwritten – and exciting. The concept phase for the building’s new use runs until the end of July 2025. Investors, architecture firms and project developers are invited to submit their ideas. A decision is expected sometime in 2026. Until then, the ICC remains a place of possibility.

In the meantime, the ICC once again invites visitors to be part of its reawakening in mid-September 2025 – continuing a story that is far from over.

With “49h ICC”, it’s not just doors that are opening – but new perspectives on the use and future of this one-of-a-kind venue. Every visit, every memory, every idea helps turn the ICC back into a vibrant centre of activity. “49h ICC” from 12 to 14 September 2025 – be there when a Lost Place becomes a Love Space.