Berlin’s Historic Hubertusbad Left in Limbo After Failed Investor Search
The future of Berlin-Lichtenberg’s historic Hubertusbad remains unresolved after a tender process failed to attract a suitable investor. Opened in 1928 as one of the Weimar Republic’s most prestigious public baths, the heritage-listed building has stood empty since closing in 1991 due to water damage. Authorities now face the challenge of balancing conservation demands with financial realities.
The Hubertusbad first shut its doors over three decades ago when severe water damage made repairs too costly. Despite its grand past, reopening it as a public pool was ruled out as economically unfeasible.
In 2012, the IG Stadtbad Lichtenberg (Initiativegruppe Stadtbad Lichtenberg) began campaigning for the building’s preservation. The group pushed for its repurposing, but no investor submissions met both heritage protection rules and financial viability. The recent tender by BIM Berliner Immobilienmanagement GmbH ended without success. For now, the site will stay unchanged, with no immediate plans for structural work. The restored former women’s swimming hall still hosts events, including the ongoing Stadtbad Reloaded art exhibition, which runs until March 29, 2026. Authorities are now weighing alternative approaches, such as a revised tender offering long-term hereditary building rights or a direct sale with strict conservation and usage terms.
The Hubertusbad’s long-term fate hangs in the balance as officials explore new strategies. Without a viable investor, the building remains in limbo, preserved but underused. The current exhibition and event space offer temporary activity, but a permanent solution has yet to emerge.
