Time-Limited Access: International Congress Centre to Commence Operation for 49 Hours Only
The decommissioned International Congress Centre (ICC) in Berlin will open its doors to the public for a special event called "49h ICC" during Heritage Day. This unique opportunity will take place on September 12-14, 2025, and will offer visitors a chance to explore the building's many areas, including previously inaccessible halls such as Hall 2, the second-largest event hall.
Built in 1979 as a symbol of West Berlin's effort to showcase large-scale, forward-looking design, the ICC resembles a dormant, abandoned spaceship. The massive silver building, located in the west of the city, is still beloved for its ambitious scale and remarkable interiors.
The International Congress Centre closed in 2014 due to asbestos contamination, but it remains an architectural icon in Berlin. This temporary opening offers a rare chance for Berliners and visitors alike to see all that up close on Heritage Day.
Visitors can choose between time slot tickets and programme tickets for the event. High demand has been seen in recent years for similar offers to visit the International Congress Centre.
The opening times are as follows:
- Friday, September 12: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, September 13: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, September 14: 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (roof level only until 4 p.m.)
A program of exhibitions, guided tours, and workshops will accompany the visit opportunities. Tickets for the event are free of charge and available for booking online starting Wednesday prior to the event.
While the specific ticket purchase website is not explicitly mentioned, they are likely available through the official event or Architecture Galerie Berlin website or through trusted Berlin cultural event platforms. It is recommended to check the official Architecture Exhibitions International page for the ICC event or Berlin tourist and cultural sites such as visitBerlin or official Heritage Day (Tag des offenen Denkmals) pages around early September 2025 for more information.
This event is part of the larger Open Monument Day initiative, highlighting heritage sites, and presents a rare chance to visit the former ICC building. As Berlin has not yet decided what to do with the International Congress Centre, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Berlin's history before any potential changes take place.
During the "49h ICC" event on Heritage Day, visitors can explore various areas, including Hall 2, in the decommissioned International Congress Centre in Berlin. The event offers a unique chance to delve into home-and-garden lifestyle aspects as part of workshops and exhibitions, showcasing the building's remarkable interiors.
