Gaskessel Bern

Based in Bern, Switzerland, Gaskessel Bern began operating in 1971 as a youth and cultural centre during a period of youth unrest in the city. It uses former gas storage tanks owned by Bern, beside the Aare in the Gaswerkareal. Cultural activities have taken place there regularly since the early 1970s, ranging from concerts and parties to theatre, exhibitions, discussions and film screenings. The venue is run as an association, with as many as 200 young volunteers organizing events and handling venue operations.

At Sandrainstrasse 25, the venue comprises two spherical halves, with its structure changing as visitor needs evolve. Its music events cover techno, trance, house, hip-hop, indie and folk, alongside club nights such as Zero Zero, which features 2000s hits, and Back to the 80’s, playing tracks from 1979 through 1991. Bern’s city government decided in 2019 that operations could continue at the same location. Work to address urgent building and safety needs started in May 2023, including renovation of seven emergency exits and improvements to fire and building safety.