In the summer of 1992 about 40 young people interested in art and culture occupied the laundry rooms of the former garrison in the Schiffbauergasse, and started to present parties, happenings, and exhibits. Soon thereafter, the Waschhaus e.V. club was founded. Now the Waschhaus Potsdam, which established itself as a center of art and culture with its main focus on music, film, dance, and fine arts, has become a major address for the Potsdam cultural scene.
Thousands of visitors attend the Schiffbauergasse every week to listen to concerts, view exhibits, enjoy parties, take in a movie, or participate in dance workshops. It is the intention of the Waschhaus e.V. to provide a broad range of offerings. The music spectrum ranges from bands such as Freundeskreis and Blumfeld, all the way to the 17 Hippies. Other highlights are the monthly exhibits of nationally and internationally successful artists, and the very popular open-air cinema in the summer.
