About
Often referred to as one of the most important bars in Berlin, 8MM is renowned around the world as an outpost for touring musicians, and has been a springboard for the careers of many local musicians.
The legendary 8MM Bar on Schönhauser Allee in Berlin is steeped in the enigmatic history of the city's underground culture. Founded in the shadows of the Berlin Wall, it began as an intimate haven for artists, rebels, and avant-garde thinkers seeking refuge from the political turmoil of the time.
In the 1980s, the bar's dimly lit interior became a clandestine meeting place for musicians, filmmakers, and poets, drawn together by a shared desire to challenge the status quo. The flickering glow of vintage 8mm projectors illuminated the space, casting a surreal ambiance over patrons engaged in spirited discussions about art, freedom, and the winds of change sweeping throughout Europe.
As the wall crumbled in 1989, 8MM evolved into a symbol of unity, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit. Its walls echoed with the sounds of experimental music, and its stage hosted impromptu performances that reverberated with the echoes of newfound freedom.
Through the years, 8MM became a living testament to Berlin's creative spirit, attracting both locals and international luminaries. The legacy of this iconic establishment endures, as each frame of its history intertwines with the vibrant threads of Berlin's cultural tapestry.
*8MM actually opened in 2002.
“..whether knowingly or not, Berlin bars pay homage to to this humble hole in the wall on Schönhauser Allee. It feels like without 8MM, there would be no Loophole, no Tennis, no Sameheads, or the like.”
Damien Cummings, EXBERLINER
