Heimathafen Neukölln

The Heimathafen Neukölln is a cultural venue in Berlin’s Neukölln district. It occupies the former ballroom of the Saalbau Neukölln, a building that once hosted variety shows, boxing matches and fashion parades around the turn of the 20th century. The space now hosts free theatre, debates, concerts and performance art. The project began in 2009 when a local theatre collective took over the hall in Karl-Marx-Straße 141. The venue stands out for its commitment to giving overlooked communities a stage. Its artistic directors, Julia von Schacky and Inka Löwendorf, programme work that tackles Neukölln’s present and past. Recent seasons have featured plays on migration, youth violence and gentrification alongside music from artists such as AnnenMayKantereit and Ed Sheeran. A youth theatre group, Active Player NK, runs participatory projects that have won national awards. Inside, the main hall seats up to 800 people and a smaller studio stage holds 70. The programme splits into four strands: Theatre, Amüsemang, Tacheles and Music. Regular events include satirical revues, poetry slams and rock nights. A documentary film, ACT! – Wer bin ich?, shows how local students create their own productions here. The building remains a lively place where the neighbourhood’s stories are told nightly.