Toppkeller

Toppkeller

Bar/club

A primarily lesbian bar/club that was open in Berlin. Located at Schwerinstrasse 13 (near Nollendorfplatz) and was in operation between 1924-1931. It was previously known as "Westend-Ressource" during the German Empire and was renamed to "Gründers Festsäle" after the owners. It is unclear how it came to be known as Toppkeller. In 1924, "The Pyramid Lottery Club" began meeting at Toppkeller and is what established the institution's reputation as a lesbian meeting place. Two of the important organizers were known as the "Zigeunerlotte" and the "Rheinische Käthe." In 1929, Willy Dubrau, an innkeeper, took over Toppkeller from the founders. According to the Goethe Institute, "Berlin singer Claire Waldoff would sport a men’s suit whilst performing her political songs on stage to a crowd including the likes of dancer Anita Berber and even Marlene Dietrich." All in all, it was a famous meeting place for lesbian people "who wanted to live out their sexuality." It has also been known as Westend-Ressource or Gründers Festsäle in the past.

Danielle Miron

Hader, Regine. “The Last Hundred Queer Years in Germany.” n.d. @GI_weltweit. https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/kul/wir/22294995.html.
“Toppkeller.” 2024. In Wikipedia. https://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Toppkeller&oldid=250316286.

Weimar Berlin, 1924-1931

Bar/club

Wilhelm und Wilhelmine Gründer and later Willy Dubrau.

1924-1931

Schwerinstraße 13, Berlin-Schöneberg

Frequented by lesbians and queer women. "Zigeunerlotte," and "Rheinische Käthe" were two important figures at the club. Claire Waldoff would perform here. Anita Berber and Marlene Dietrich were reportedly guests at the club.