Berlin, 12 September 2025 Under the motto "49h ICC"’, the International Congress Centre Berlin (ICC), which has been closed since 2014, is once again opening its doors to the public this weekend as part of Open Monument Day. It invites visitors to explore the otherwise closed rooms, halls and foyers, as well as the roof terrace of this architectural icon. The ICC was opened this evening by Berlin's Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey, Dr. Christoph Rauhut, State Conservator and Director of the Berlin State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, and visitBerlin managing directors Sabine Wendt and Burkhard Kieker. The ‘FORM / FUTURE’ design conference has been taking place at the ICC since Thursday.

Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises: "The ICC Berlin inspires – we can see that again this year during the Open Monument Days. With over 38,000 tickets and an exciting programme, the ICC is a highlight this weekend. Anyone who comes here cannot fail to be impressed by this building. It is simply fascinating every time – in terms of its size, functionality and design. Few buildings have this aura, few buildings can trigger such emotions. But we don't want to open the ICC Berlin for just 49 hours; we want to give it back to the city permanently. There is good news on this front: the first phase of our concept process for the revitalisation of the ICC Berlin has been successfully completed. There are people and companies with a great deal of commitment, expertise, experience and the necessary investment power who want to work with us to revive this architectural icon and present a robust concept for it by May 2026. All further steps to enable a decision to be made by summer 2026 are now being initiated under the leadership of the Senate Department of Economics."

Sabine Wendt, Managing Director of visitBerlin: "With 49h ICC, we are inviting interested parties and fans to experience the ICC for a whole weekend. Whether it's a design conference, an architectural tour, classic films or yoga on the roof terrace – the programme is diverse. The support of many partners from politics and urban society has made this special event possible, and I would like to express my sincere thanks for that."

‘This weekend, we are briefly bringing the design icon ICC back to life,’ says Burkhard Kieker, spokesperson for the management of visitBerlin. ‘With the “49h ICC” programme, Berlin is once again showing what the city has to offer: a metropolis with an exciting history and great potential for culture and the creative industries.’

Dr Mario Tobias, Chairman of the Management Board of Messe Berlin GmbH: ‘Hardly any other building has shaped Berlin as much as the ICC. With its visionary architecture and countless international events, it stood for progress and cosmopolitanism for decades. With 49h ICC, this unique atmosphere will be tangible again for a short time – a piece of Berlin history that we are delighted to bring to life together.’

State Conservator Dr. Christoph Rauhut: "With “49h ICC”, one of Berlin's largest and most exciting buildings is opening its doors on Open Monument Day – a rare experience! At the same time, over 350 other monuments throughout the city invite visitors to experience history up close and discover the many stories of Berlin. The exhibition ‘Monument Preservation. Added Value for Berlin,’ which can be seen in the ICC Lounge, offers a preview."