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Cologne's new club culture: cell phone ban for unforgettable nights!
Müngersdorf: Cologne club “Fi” relies on a photo ban and a sense of community in the changing club culture.
Cologne's new club culture: cell phone ban for unforgettable nights!
Something is happening again in the club scene in Cologne! After many of the once popular locations such as Cologne's Rose Club or the Underground had to close, the city is determined to breathe new life into its unique night culture. A breath of fresh air is blowing through the scene, and the new concepts focus primarily on community and experiences without digital distractions.
A prime example of this change is the “Fi” club in Cologne, not far from the border between Braunsfeld and Müngersdorf. The club has adopted the motto “PERFREKT”, which not only stands for extraordinary party nights, but also for a conscious move away from constant online presence. Here, cell phones and cameras are taped off to encourage guests to enjoy the experience to the fullest without feeling the need to share everything with the outside world. These measures are part of a broader “awareness” concept that encourages people to actively help if someone gets into trouble or, even worse, secretly takes photos. This is a conscious step at a time when many clubs have had to close due to political decisions and conflicts with the neighborhood, as the experiences of many operators show. A good part of Cologne's cultural heritage is at risk, and the city has already decided on measures to secure cultural zones in order to stop this trend. A step that WDR supports.
New club at Ehrenfeld
Another bright spot in the Cologne club landscape is Bernd Rehse's new project. The operator of the renowned “Artheater” club on the Ehrenfeld belt recently bought an empty area next door. A new club with a large garden, concert room and bar is to be built here. And best of all: The industrial charm of the former car repair shop should be preserved. At a time when the death of clubs in Cologne has become a serious problem, it is all the more gratifying that new ideas and concepts are emerging. In the last decade, many clubs have been closed and replaced by apartments or offices, endangering not only the scene but also Cologne's cultural identity. MitVergnuegen impressively describes how the offerings in the city have changed: from the dominance of techno to the lack of cultural alternatives.
The offer has shrunk, especially in the Ehrenfeld district, which was previously known for its variety of clubs. The last few years have been difficult and many operators only had temporary contracts, which severely limited the planning of long-term offers. Now with the new “cultural space protection” in Ehrenfeld, there is new hope that club life can flourish again. This could not only strengthen the cultural scene, but also help the local economy get back on its feet and enable a return to more diverse events.
The future of Cologne's clubs is uncertain, but the efforts to find innovative concepts and create protective spaces for culture show that the city is not giving up. Who knows, perhaps we will soon experience a renaissance of Cologne night, which will not only attract locals but also tourists and provide unique experiences. Club culture is a valuable part of Cologne's identity - and that must be preserved!