Struggles at Tuntenhaus: Possibility of Rescue for Berlin's Final Queer Alternative Residential Complex?
Berlin's Iconic Queer Institution, Tuntenhaus, Faces Uncertain Future
Berlin's iconic queer institution, Tuntenhaus, is facing an uncertain future following the news of the building's sale. Known for its resilience and fierce spirit, the collective has taken immediate action, refusing to let the threat of sale go unchallenged.
Established in 1981, Tuntenhaus first opened its doors at Bülowstraße 55 in Schöneberg. However, it was the second Tuntenhaus, Tuntenhaus Forellenhof in Friedrichshain, that gained more notoriety in recent years. This notoriety increased further in 2022, with an exhibition at the Schwules Museum.
Juliet Bashore's short documentaries Battle of Tuntenhaus parts I and II, available on YouTube, offer a glimpse into the institution's rich history and its role in Berlin's queer culture. Tuntenhaus has been a significant part of this culture, not just in Prenzlauer Berg, but across the city.
The current location of Tuntenhaus is at Kastanienallee 86. Despite the looming sale, the 36-head collective is pushing the Pankow district government to exercise Vorkaufsrecht (right of first refusal) to block the sale.
The news of the sale has come as a shock to its inhabitants, prompting them to organise weekend programmes to show their support. Tuntenhaus is known for its organised Hoffeste, Küfa (Küche für alle or "Kitchen for everyone"), and providing space for various projects and initiatives.
For over 30 years, Tuntenhaus has been a community meeting point for alternative queer Berliners. Emblematic of Berlin's subculture, Tuntenhaus has become a significant institution of queer alternative culture in the city.
However, the search results do not provide information about the owner of the building where the institution is located or whether it will be sold after the sale. The collective is determined to fight for the future of Tuntenhaus, ensuring that it continues to be a beacon of queer culture in Berlin.
