Published on 15.07.2025
The ICC Berlin will open its doors from 11 to 14 September 2025: free guided tours from 12 September with timed-entry tickets, kicking off on 11 September with the design conference “Form/Future”. For the first time, the second-largest hall will also be accessible.
Berlin, 15 July 2025 This September once again brings a unique opportunity to explore the International Congress Centrum Berlin (ICC). The listed architectural icon, which has stood dormant since 2014, will be brought back to life from 11 to 14 September 2025. From 12 September, all interested visitors can tour the ICC with a free timed-entry ticket. The design conference “Form/Future” will kick things off a day earlier. This year, guests will also have access to the building’s second-largest hall.
In addition to the tours, visitors can look forward to a diverse incentive programme, ranging from guided tours with contemporary witnesses and fitness sessions to lightsabre workshops. Entry to the ICC requires a free timed-entry or programme ticket. Tickets will be available from 10 a.m. on 16 July at visitBerlin.de/en/49h-icc-berlin.
With the "49h ICC" programme, Berlin once again showcases everything this city has to offer: a vibrant metropolis with a remarkable history and boundless potential for culture and the creative industries. Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises: "The ICC is a true Berlin icon, which is why I’m delighted that we’re opening it once again for a weekend. ‘49h ICC’ offers a chance to experience an extraordinary piece of Berlin’s architectural and urban history. Through our ongoing international design competition, we’re working to preserve it for Berlin’s future and are seeking the best ideas for its redevelopment and use. From 12 to 14 September, everyone is invited to discover this unique venue – complemented by an exciting programme."
Sabine Wendt, Managing Director of visitBerlin: "With ‘49h ICC’, we’re creating a unique experience – for Berliners, our visitors and our tourism partners alike. The ICC captivates far beyond the MICE industry. My heartfelt thanks go to our partners in politics, the Berlin State Monuments Office and Messe Berlin, whose collaboration has made this reopening possible."
Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin: "Berlin needs additional congress capacity. It’s fantastic that we have a sleeping gem like the ICC Congress Centre. The visitBerlin team is helping to bring this design icon back to life through ‘49h ICC’."
Dr Christoph Rauhut, State Conservator and Director of the Berlin State Monuments Office: "Originally conceived as a flagship of West Berlin for international exchange, the ICC today stands as the most important example of high-tech architecture in Germany. We are incredibly fortunate that the building – with its colours, materials, artworks and fittings – remains so remarkably intact. I’m absolutely thrilled that this futuristic city landmark will once again be open to all Berliners and visitors as part of ‘49h ICC’."
Visitors can explore the decommissioned ICC and its rooftop terrace with free timed-entry tickets. Alongside iconic features such as the original neon guidance system and installations by Frank Oehring, 2025 will also mark the first opening of previously inaccessible areas – including Hall 2, the venue’s second-largest event space.
Starting Thursday, the design conference “Form/Future” will take place at the ICC: On 11 and 12 September, experts from around the world will explore how transformation can be shaped through design. The conference puts Berlin centre stage as a UNESCO City of Design and is aimed at an international professional audience. Tickets: 199 Euro, available at formfuture.berlin.
The paid programme includes architectural tours and guided visits with contemporary witnesses such as Frank Oehring, video screenings and classic films, sports events like running clubs, yoga and cycling sessions, as well as lightsabre workshops and show duels by Saber Academy Berlin and FlensSabers. Programme details and tickets available at visitBerlin.de/en/49h-icc-berlin.
The ICC, once one of the world’s largest congress centres, ceased operations in 2014. In 2021 and 2022, the building reopened for the first time to host cultural events. During its first free public opening in 2023, the venue was accessible to the public for 48 hours. Held as part of Open Monument Day, the event was a huge success: more than 30,000 visitors secured a ticket, and the response was overwhelmingly positive – 95 per cent of guests said they would visit the ICC again if given the chance. This year, the building will reopen once more, with the event extended to 49 hours.
The reopening of the ICC Berlin under the motto “49h ICC” as part of Open Monument Day is a project by visitBerlin, made possible by the Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, and organised in cooperation with the Berlin State Monuments Office and Messe Berlin. More information at visitBerlin.de/en/49h-icc-berlin.
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