Meistersaal

The Meistersaal on Koethener Strasse in Berlin-Kreuzberg is a protected former chamber-music hall of around 350 seats, immediately beside Potsdamer Platz. Built in 1910 as a representative art salon, the hall became world-famous as Hansa Studio 2: David Bowie recorded the Berlin trilogy Low and Heroes here in 1976 and 1977, U2 cut parts of Achtung Baby here in 1990, and Iggy Pop, Depeche Mode, Nick Cave and later R.E.M. also tracked core albums in the room. Bowie and Brian Eno worked literally in the shadow of the Wall, looking out from the studio onto the death strip during sessions - an experience that fed directly into the famous lovers' image of Heroes. Since the 1990s the restored hall has mostly hosted classical concerts, readings and receptions. A lucky visitor sits today in the original room whose stucco ceiling and wooden coffering produce the sound that gave the studios their hall-of-fame reputation.