Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH

What Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH does

Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH is a non-profit (gemeinnützige) multi-venue cultural institution located in the Schiffbauergasse arts and culture quarter of Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany. Formally established as a charitable cultural entity in 1993 (following origins as an occupied building in the early 1990s), the organization operates a complex of eight distinct performance and exhibition spaces — Open Air Bühne, Arena, Saal, Kesselhaus, Klub, Seebühne, Studiohaus, and Kunstraum Potsdam — and reaches approximately 130,000 visitors annually. Programming spans concerts, literature and spoken word, club culture, contemporary dance, and visual arts, with two in-house sub-brands: the Oxymoron Dance Company/School (≈20 weekly courses) and the Kunstraum Potsdam gallery (8–10 exhibitions per year), plus seasonal offerings such as the Open Air Kinosommer cinema series and the Heimatsounds intercultural music project.

The underlying platform is a conventional content/events operation: a website (waschhaus.de) built on the Odoo CMS with Google Analytics for traffic measurement, with no proprietary technology layer. Ticketing is routed through third-party platforms (loveyourartist.com, eventim.de, rausgegangen.de, ticket.io, citybounce.de, Reservix, Ticketmaster, Kiezpoeten) plus physical outlets (MAZ Ticketeria, Tourist Information points) and on-site box office. Marketing is multi-channel: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, email newsletter, and a newly launched WhatsApp Channel, with radio co-presentations via radioeins (rbb) and Antenne Brandenburg for headline events.

Revenue is mixed. Earned income comes primarily from ticket sales (ranging from free events to ≈€65 for headline concerts such as MONO INC., with concession pricing common), venue rental and production services, Oxymoron Dance School monthly course fees and 10-ride tickets, and merchandise sold via loveyourartist.com. This is supplemented by recurring public subsidies from the Landeshauptstadt Potsdam / FB Kultur und Museum and the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur des Landes Brandenburg, and by presenting-partner sponsorships from LBS Landesbausparkasse NordOst AG and Mittelbrandenburgische Sparkasse (MBS). The customer base is horizontal — general public and cultural audiences in the Potsdam/Berlin-Brandenburg region — with no enterprise or B2B customer concentration.

Name

Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH

Legal name

Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH

Website

https://waschhaus.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH is a non-profit multi-venue cultural center in Potsdam, Brandenburg, operating eight event spaces, the Oxymoron Dance Company, and Kunstraum Potsdam gallery, serving approximately 130,000 visitors annually through concerts, dance, literature, club culture, and visual arts programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment & Cultural Venue

NAICS

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC), Live Music Clubs & Venues (MPAGAIAB), Specialty & Historic Venues (Landmarks, Estates) (THAHAAAK), Dance Performances (THAJAFAD)

Keywords

• Live event venue
• Cultural center
• Performing arts
• Contemporary art exhibitions
• Dance education

Headquarters

HQ city

Potsdam

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket sales: The primary revenue stream comes from ticket sales for events across all venues. Events are priced individually, with tickets ranging from free (e.g., Summer Lounge open-air DJ session) to over €60 (e.g., MONO INC. Open Air at €61.90–€65.00). Reduced/concession pricing is available for many events. Tickets are sold via multiple online platforms and at physical outlets.
2. Venue rental and production services: The Waschhaus rents out its spaces (Arena, Saal, Kesselhaus, Klub, Open Air Stage, Kunstraum, Studiohaus, Seebühne) for events. The team includes dedicated staff for Vermietungen (rentals), Produktion, and Partys.
3. Oxymoron Dance School courses: The Oxymoron Dance School offers approximately 20 weekly courses including Modern Dance, K-Pop, Pole Dance, Flamenco, Breakdance, and Yoga, generating revenue through monthly course fees and 10-ride tickets.
4. Merchandise sales: Merchandise is sold via an online store on loveyourartist.com.
5. Public funding and subsidies: The Waschhaus receives ongoing funding from the Landeshauptstadt Potsdam / FB Kultur und Museum and the Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur des Landes Brandenburg, consistent with its status as a gemeinnützige Einrichtung (non-profit organization) operating since 1993.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH operates a multi-venue soziokulturelles Zentrum (socio-cultural center) in the Schiffbauergasse arts quarter of Potsdam, hosting concerts, literature, club culture, dance, and contemporary visual arts. It runs eight distinct performance spaces (Arena, Saal, Kesselhaus, Klub, Open Air Stage, Seebühne, Kunstraum, Studiohaus) and reaches approximately 130,000 visitors per year. The portfolio also includes the Oxymoron Dance Company and School, the Kunstraum Potsdam gallery, the seasonal Open Air Kinosommer outdoor cinema, and the Heimatsounds intercultural music project.

Product overview

Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH is a socio-cultural center operating a multi-venue complex in the Schiffbauergasse arts and culture quarter of Potsdam. The organization offers eight distinct venue spaces (Open Air Bühne, Arena, Saal, Kesselhaus, Klub, Seebühne, Studiohaus, and Kunstraum) for concerts, literature, club culture, dance, and visual art events. It reaches approximately 130,000 visitors annually. The portfolio includes sub-brands such as the Oxymoron Dance Company and Oxymoron Dance School, the Kunstraum Potsdam exhibition space, and the seasonal Open Air Kinosommer outdoor cinema series. The venue operates as a common-good-oriented cultural institution offering international and local artists platforms for artistic expression.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kunstraum Potsdam: Contemporary art gallery operated by Waschhaus Potsdam, presenting eight to ten exhibitions annually with an international orientation.
• Oxymoron Dance Company
• Open Air Kinosommer
• Havelbeats Festival

Products and services

• Open Air Bühne Open-air stage venue within the Waschhaus complex used for outdoor concerts and events during the summer season, with barrier-free access.
• Arena Large indoor performance venue within the Waschhaus complex suitable for concerts and major cultural events, with accessibility provisions.
• Saal Concert and event hall within the Waschhaus complex with accessible facilities for visitors with mobility impairments.
• Kesselhaus Historic industrial venue space within the Waschhaus complex used for concerts and cultural events, wheelchair accessible.
• Klub Club venue on the first floor of the Waschhaus complex used for club culture and smaller events (not wheelchair accessible due to lack of elevator).
• Seebühne am Tiefen See Lakefront outdoor stage used for summer dance, music, and theatrical performances, accessible for visitors with mobility impairments.
• Studiohaus Studio space within the Waschhaus complex used for rehearsals, smaller productions, and creative projects.
• Oxymoron Dance Company In-house professional dance company that creates and performs contemporary dance productions at Waschhaus venues, including the Seebühne am Tiefen See.
• Oxymoron Dance School Dance school offering approximately 20 weekly courses including Modern Dance, K-Pop, Pole Dance, Flamenco, Breakdance, and Yoga for all ages and skill levels, billed via monthly course fees and 10-ride tickets.
• Kunstraum Potsdam Contemporary art exhibition space operated by Waschhaus Potsdam, presenting 8–10 exhibitions annually featuring international contemporary art addressing aesthetic and societal themes.
• Open Air Kinosommer 2026 Annual open-air cinema series held in July–August, co-presented with Thalia Programmkino, featuring current film releases, documentaries, and music/concert films.
• Heimatsounds Intercultural music project that brings together residents of Potsdam to make music together in weekly Monday evening sessions (18:00–22:00).
• Waschhaus Merchandise Official Waschhaus-branded merchandise (apparel and related goods) sold online through the LoveYourArtist shop.
• Venue rental and production services Rental of Waschhaus spaces (Arena, Saal, Kesselhaus, Klub, Open Air Stage, Kunstraum, Studiohaus, Seebühne) for third-party events, including associated production support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 130,000+ visitors per year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LBS Landesbausparkasse NordOst AGcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026LBS NordOst is the Presenting Partner for the Waschhaus Open Air Sommer 2026. The LBS also presents its Corporate Collection (LBS NordOst art collection) in the Kunstraum Potsdam exhibition 'Gegen den Strich gesammelt'. The partnership provides financial support for the open-air summer program and visibility for the LBS as a cultural sponsor.
• Mittelbrandenburgische Sparkasse (MBS)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMittelbrandenburgische Sparkasse supports the Waschhaus literature program, providing financial backing for literary events and author readings.
• Thalia Programmkino PotsdamcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-presenter of the Waschhaus Open Air Kinosommer 2026 (July–August 2026). Thalia Programmkino curates and presents the film program alongside the Waschhaus, with tickets available through Thalia's website.
• Oxymoron Dance CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Waschhaus operates and houses the Oxymoron Dance Company, which includes a dance school (approx. 20 weekly courses) and a professional dance production company. The company creates original dance works and performances, including events at the Seebühne am Tiefen See. It is a key pillar of the Waschhaus 360° cultural offering alongside music, literature, and visual arts.
• Kunstraum PotsdamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Waschhaus operates the Kunstraum Potsdam gallery space, hosting 8–10 exhibitions annually of contemporary art with international orientation. The gallery addresses aesthetic and societal questions through curated exhibitions.
• Brandenburgisches LiteraturbürominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-presenter of the Richard David Precht event alongside the Waschhaus and Literaturladen Wist, demonstrating partnerships with regional literary institutions.
• radioeins (rbb)minorGTM or Marketing Partnerradioeins (Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg) presents events such as Tocotronic Open Air 2026 and Dietmar Wischmeyer Open Air 2026, providing radio promotion and co-branding.
• DenkRaumOst gUGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developer of a reading series focusing on East/West German experiences, partnering with the Waschhaus for literary events featuring authors from various professional backgrounds.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves1 record

Direct peers

• Kulturbrauerei Berlin: Multi-venue cultural center in a former industrial complex in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, operating theatres, clubs, galleries, and event halls under a single non-profit-style operator. Closely comparable to Waschhaus's 360° Kultur model of combining concerts, literature, club culture, dance, and visual arts across multiple spaces.
• Kampnagel Hamburg: Hamburg-based international production house for performing arts operating multiple halls within a former factory complex, hosting dance, theatre, concerts, and visual arts. Highly comparable to Waschhaus in scale, multi-genre programming, and public-funded cultural-center structure.
• ufaFabrik Berlin: Berlin socio-cultural center combining cinema, theatre, concerts, and community programmes on a multi-building site. Directly comparable to Waschhaus as a community-anchored multi-venue cultural center with public funding and diverse programming.
• Radialsystem Berlin: Berlin performing-arts venue on the Spree hosting contemporary dance, theatre, concerts, and festivals with multiple configurations. Comparable as a programmatically diverse venue emphasising contemporary performing arts and partner-driven co-productions in the Berlin/Brandenburg cultural ecosystem.
• Heimathafen Neukölln: Berlin concert and event venue operated as part of a publicly owned cultural infrastructure hosting concerts, parties, and community programming. Comparable as a publicly supported music/event venue with a similar mix of ticketed concerts and community-oriented programming.

Broad incumbents

• Festspielhaus Baden-Baden: Large German venue hosting international music, ballet, and entertainment events. Comparable as a German concert/event venue with multi-genre programming, but operates at significantly larger capacity and as a broader incumbent.
• Admiralspalast Berlin: Historic Berlin theatre and concert hall presenting musicals, concerts, and shows. Comparable as a Berlin/Brandenburg music and theatre venue, but with a more commercial, single-venue operating model.
• Schaubühne Berlin: Berlin municipal theatre producing contemporary drama, dance, and performance across multiple stages. Comparable as a publicly funded multi-stage performing-arts institution in the Berlin-Brandenburg cultural ecosystem, though narrower in genre focus.
• Tempodrom Berlin: Large Berlin concert and event arena hosting touring international acts and conferences. Comparable as a Berlin-Brandenburg touring venue, but operates at significantly larger scale and as a broader incumbent rather than a multi-genre community cultural centre.
• Volksbühne Berlin: Major Berlin municipal theatre with multiple stages presenting theatre, dance, concerts, and discursive events. Comparable in producing and presenting live performing arts across genres, but operates at city-level scale with broader institutional mandate.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/waschhauspotsdam
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waschhauspotsdam
• TikToktiktok.com/@waschhauspotsdam

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Waschhaus Potsdam gGmbH