As one of Berlin’s most prestigious venues, the Meistersaal at Potsdamer Platz in Kreuzberg exudes pure music history. It became world-famous primarily as the legendary “Studio 2” of the Hansa recording studios, where icons such as David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Depeche Mode left their mark. Since the 1990s, the renowned hall has served as an exclusive setting for a wide variety of events, inviting visitors to relive the incomparable splendor of past musical eras.
The classic candlelight concerts also take place regularly in the Meistersaal. In the atmospheric glow of thousands of candles, you can enjoy intimate tributes to artists such as Coldplay, Vivaldi, and ABBA.
From ballroom to international recording studio
The Meistersaal was inaugurated in 1913 and, in addition to its function as a ballroom for the presentation of master craftsman’s certificates to journeymen, already served as a venue for conferences and concerts at that time. However, World War II ultimately left the hall with severe damage. In the 1970s, it experienced a rebirth with the arrival of the Hansa recording studios and underwent a renovation in which the premises were converted into recording studios. The Meistersaal was now known as Studio 2 and gained worldwide fame in the music world —over the years, it served as a recording studio for various national and international stars.
What can you experience in the Meistersaal?
Today, the Meistersaal primarily serves as a versatile event venue for occasions of all kinds. It offers space for private events such as corporate gatherings, conferences, parties, or weddings, as well as for public events like concerts, readings, or exhibitions. It can also be used as a film set or a recording studio for music sessions. Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to take part in exclusive guided tours that delve deeply into the fascinating history of the venue.
In addition, with its impressive history, the Meistersaal serves as an ideal venue for the popular candlelight concerts, which feature classical tributes to various renowned artists.
27 June 2026 18:15
28 June 2026 16:00 + more dates
28 June 2026 18:15
Location and Directions to the Meistersaal
The Meistersaal is located at Köthener Str. 38 in Berlin-Kreuzberg, just a stone’s throw from Potsdamer Platz. You can reach the nearby stations Potsdamer Platz and Anhalter Bahnhof via the S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S25, and S26. Additionally, the U2 subway line, as well as numerous bus routes and regional trains, offer easy access to the Meistersaal.
What makes the hall’s architecture so special?
The neoclassical architecture of the 266-square-meter Meistersaal impresses with a seven-meter-high wooden coffered ceiling, wood-paneled walls, tall windows, strip parquet flooring, and historic chandeliers. Complemented by a 28-square-meter stage and first-class acoustics, it creates an elegant, prestigious setting for special events.
Which stars are already using the Meistersaal as a recording studio?
During its era as the legendary Studio 2 of the Hansa recording studios, numerous international music greats such as Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, Bon Jovi, Nick Cave, and U2 recorded their music in the Meistersaal. David Bowie, in particular, who recorded his iconic albums “Low” and “Heroes” here, left a lasting mark on this historic venue and affectionately nicknamed it “The Big Hall by the Wall” at the time .
How did Studio 2 come to be closed?
Due to declining demand for large recording spaces, operating the legendary Studio 2 became increasingly unprofitable in the early 1990s. Consequently, after a final production by U2 (“Achtung Baby”), the recording studio was closed, extensively restored, and celebrated its reopening in 1994 as a magnificent event venue.
Nearby Berlin venues
In addition to the historic Meistersaal, the capital offers many other fascinating hotspots for unique cultural experiences. Right nearby , renowned venues such as the Kulturforum and the Berlin Philharmonic— one of the city’s top destinations for classical music — await. World-famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Martin-Gropius-Bau, and the lively center at Potsdamer Platz are also just a short walk away. Last but not least, the atmospheric candlelight concerts also take place at various other breathtaking Berlin venues that are definitely worth a visit.
