In the now-shuttered Berlin nightclub, art was meant to both celebrate and mourn. The once iconic venue was more than just a spot for queer community gatherings; it was an essential gathering place where artists and dreamers alike came together.
J.D. Vincent remembers walking into the club on opening night, surrounded by smoke and music blaring overhead as patrons danced without a dance floor yet. The atmosphere that year reflected Tim Sullivan's quirky personality - someone who loved disco and country music almost as much as he adored his own club.
Tim Sullivan co-founded Berlin with Shirley Mooney in 1983. Over time, the nightclub became an essential spot for Chicago’s queer community. For many patrons, it was a place to celebrate individuality; whatever one's style may be - a vibrant sanctuary where everyone felt welcome.
Local artist Dion Labriola was a visual artist himself who showed his sci-fi-inspired art at Berlin. He spent years collaborating with Sullivan and Mooney on the club's interior, creating installations like "Logoland" that showcased pop culture icons.
These were more than just decorations; they added to the surreal vibe that set Berlin apart. Whether through art or entertainment - whatever one's cup may run full of, everyone at Berlin knew they'd found their haven.
Sadly, Sullivan passed away in 1994. But the club continued for another nearly two decades after his passing, with Mooney selling it in five years later. While things changed about the space over time - it never lost that essence created by Sullivan's spirit and the creativity he nurtured within its walls.
Berlin closed its doors on November 19th of last year and now sits empty. Its art, community, and memories are still with those who found home in Berlin - a place where one could celebrate life or mourn loss.
J.D. Vincent remembers walking into the club on opening night, surrounded by smoke and music blaring overhead as patrons danced without a dance floor yet. The atmosphere that year reflected Tim Sullivan's quirky personality - someone who loved disco and country music almost as much as he adored his own club.
Tim Sullivan co-founded Berlin with Shirley Mooney in 1983. Over time, the nightclub became an essential spot for Chicago’s queer community. For many patrons, it was a place to celebrate individuality; whatever one's style may be - a vibrant sanctuary where everyone felt welcome.
Local artist Dion Labriola was a visual artist himself who showed his sci-fi-inspired art at Berlin. He spent years collaborating with Sullivan and Mooney on the club's interior, creating installations like "Logoland" that showcased pop culture icons.
These were more than just decorations; they added to the surreal vibe that set Berlin apart. Whether through art or entertainment - whatever one's cup may run full of, everyone at Berlin knew they'd found their haven.
Sadly, Sullivan passed away in 1994. But the club continued for another nearly two decades after his passing, with Mooney selling it in five years later. While things changed about the space over time - it never lost that essence created by Sullivan's spirit and the creativity he nurtured within its walls.
Berlin closed its doors on November 19th of last year and now sits empty. Its art, community, and memories are still with those who found home in Berlin - a place where one could celebrate life or mourn loss.
it was such an iconic spot for our queer community back in the day, you know? I remember going there with friends on New Year's Eve and just losing ourselves in the music and art 
it's crazy that Tim Sullivan's spirit is still so alive in the memories of all those people who found their tribe there... but yeah, it's sad to see it go 
but like, don't they know that shuttering the club was probably for the best? It's not like it was still serving its original purpose and all... *sigh* But at the same time, can you imagine how cool it would be to have a space like Berlin just chillin' in the city now? 
It's like, we lost this amazing piece of history and I'm genuinely bummed about it... 
but maybe that's what they need – more of an underground vibe or something. Like, is Berlin going to transform into some overpriced tourist trap or something? 
it's crazy to think the space that brought so much joy & creativity is now just empty walls... i mean, you can see why they called it a 'haven' because everyone who went there felt like they finally found their tribe 
but at the same time, i feel like we're losing an important piece of history 
what's gonna happen to all that art & memorabilia? 
it feels like yesterday they were still hosting these epic parties and events... and now it's all just memories 
anyway, tim sullivan's legacy lives on in that space - his quirky personality and love for disco and country music still shine through in every corner of berlin... and let's not forget dion labriola's amazing sci-fi art installations 
what a haven it was for the queer community back then... so sad to see it go 
It's like his spirit just keeps on giving... but at the same time, I get why it had to close its doors - those are some heavy emotions to keep going with 
, and I'm totally missing that Berlin vibe right now 
I've been meaning to start a journal again, but I keep getting distracted by cat videos on YouTube 
. Anyway, back to Berlin... I wonder if they're going to turn the space into some kind of art museum or something? That would be awesome! 
. It was like more than just a club, you know? It was like this special sanctuary for all those people who were different and just wanted to be themselves 
. It's a reminder to appreciate these places and clubs while they're still around... you never know when they'll be gone 
and logoland is literally the most iconic thing i've ever seen... like what's gonna happen to all that art now? 
) and just feeling this sense of loss, you know? but at the same time, it's beautiful to see how the club left such a lasting impact on so many people's lives 
anyone else ever been to Berlin or have a favorite memory from there? 
. But seriously, can you blame them? The Berlin was always a bit too extra for its own good - I mean, disco and country music together? That's just asking for a headache 
. On a more serious note though, it's sad that the club closed down. It sounds like an amazing space to express yourself and connect with others 
.