Berlin Golden Twenties

In the 1920s, Berlin was a vibrant hub of artistic innovation and cultural revolution, a period often referred to as the "Golden Twenties." One of the most captivating anecdotes from this era involves the legendary nightlife and the establishment of the world's first gay village in Berlin.

During the Weimar Republic, Berlin's liberal atmosphere allowed a flourishing of the LGBTQ+ culture, which was unprecedented at the time. The city was home to numerous clubs, bars, and cafes that openly catered to gay and lesbian clientele, and it was the birthplace of the Institute for Sexual Science, founded by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1919. This institute was a pioneering establishment dedicated to the study of sexuality and provided educational resources, medical consultations, and even advocated for the rights of homosexual and transgender individuals.

Drag queens dancing in Berlin’s famous cabaret club, Eldorado on Motzstraße. Crica 1926.

One of the most famous nightspots was the Eldorado, a nightclub that regularly hosted drag shows and became a popular haunt for both the local LGBTQ+ community and curious visitors. The Eldorado was so well-known that it even attracted famous personalities of the time, including Marlene Dietrich and Christopher Isherwood, whose works later brought international attention to Berlin's unique culture during this period.

This flourishing scene was a testament to the progressive attitudes and the spirit of tolerance that defined Berlin in the 1920s, making it one of the most liberal cities in Europe before the rise of the Nazi regime, which would later brutally repress this vibrant culture. This period of cultural liberation and artistic expression left a lasting impact on Berlin, cementing its reputation as a city of tolerance, creativity, and defiance.