The Knast: art, culture and cuisine - for adults only

At this extraordinary cultural venue, guests can immerse themselves in fantasy worlds through stage programmes, enjoy sensual cuisine in the restaurant, sample unusual drinks in the bar, learn about history on professional guided tours, experience special architecture up close and discover exciting art from the LGBTQIA+ community.

The latter is based on a cooperation between The Knast and prideArt Berlin e.V.: as an artists' collective, the non-profit organisation offers queer artists the opportunity to rent cells as studios in the listed building, work there and become visible. Above all, the regular exhibitions at The Knast attract attention beyond the scene.

All events, gastronomic offerings and exhibitions are designed for guests over 18 to enable a stylish time among adults.

This also allows the artists to develop freely. Shibari artist Dan Apus Monoceros, for example, regularly performs here with aesthetic and moving suspension performances (next dates: 27 March and 24 April). The ‘Burlesque & Cocktails’ series with South American dancer L'aDios also fascinates guests once a month (20 March and 17 April).

Further exciting events are on the programme for 2025. It starts with a new regular series that The Knast is organising on Wednesdays (5 March, 26 March, 9 April) as an after-work event at 6 pm - together with The Sublime Society, which already has a number of hedonistic followers in London and Paris. Under the motto ‘The Evening of Divination’, tarot cards will be laid, cocktails and even an absinthe ceremony will be enjoyed. In addition, ‘Seductive Symphonies’, a jazz, swing and blues evening paired with seductive burlesque performances, will take place for the first time on 7 March.

On 12 and 13 March, the audience will embark on a completely different journey with Jens Söring, who by his own account spent 33 years as an innocent prisoner in the USA. Söring's reading in the cell wing brings his time in prison to life in a haunting way - an intense evening that gets under your skin and is always accompanied by excellent cocktails from the bar team. All dates and tickets can be booked via Eventbrite.

With its hedonistic approach, the bar is ideal for exciting events, absinthe ceremonies and relaxed evenings. There is a strict photo ban to create a protected space. The restaurant also stands for unlimited enjoyment in a stylish setting. Seasonal highlights are served as a menu and the à la carte selection focuses on modern interpretations of dishes that hold delightful secrets and pleasant surprises in store for guests.

As an extraordinary location, The Knast is also a popular choice for private events. Whether birthdays, anniversaries or weddings: The creative team is on hand to assist guests from planning to realisation to find the perfect solution for every occasion. Depending on the number of guests, various rooms such as the restaurant, the bar or even the cell wing can be used. In summer, there is also the option of celebrating in the spacious garden. From finger food and themed buffets to seated dinners, The Knast can, of course, provide precisely tailored catering for any event on request. Hire is possible subject to the location's specifications.

The Knast utilises the capacities of the listed building to the full. Openness and tolerance are values that are practised at this cultural venue in the former women's prison in Lichterfelde, which has been extensively renovated. Owner Dr Joachim Köhrich received the Federal Award for Craftsmanship in the Preservation of Monuments from the Wolfgang and Ursula Engelbarts Foundation for the particularly outstanding restoration work. The citation praised, among other things, the courageous takeover and the sustainable and careful restoration of the complex from the early 20th century.

For the Full Experience, The Knast will also pamper guests as a hotel in 2025. In addition, the wine cellar and a secret table for up to ten people will soon be available for exclusive dinner events, meetings and conferences.