Berlin's techno scene joins UNESCO cultural heritage list

Berlin’s techno scene has been added to the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.

“The decision will help us ensure that club culture is recognised as a valuable sector worthy of protection and support,” said the Clubcommission’s Lutz Leichsenring, speaking to German broadcaster DW.

Formed in 2023, the intangible cultural heritage list aims to preserve and assist a number of cultural traditions, ranging from music and dance, to beliefs and cuisine.

Campaigners been pushing for over a decade to have techno culture and music added to UNESCO’s tangible cultural heritage list. Other cultural activities already granted intangible cultural heritage status include Slovakian bagpiping and Jamaican reggae. Ireland also has its fair share of listings, including uilleann piping, harping, hurling and falconry.

“In other cities, people wouldn’t accept music that’s really hard or weird and full of synthesisers and really brutal, distorted drum machines,” said Berlin-based techno artist Peter Kirn to The Observer in 2021.

“Techno has become a refuge for people who are marginalised, and there’s a natural attraction to Berlin as a place which is more permissive when you come from places that are less permissive.”

The techno scene is one of six new entries on the intangible cultural heritage list in Germany, joining the likes of Saxon mountaineering, Hessian embroidery and fruit wine as officially protected parts of German culture.