The Radio Tower is transmitting again: To mark its 100th anniversary, Messe Berlin is bringing renewed attention to the landmark on the exhibition grounds with the campaign “What the Funk.” The official campaign launch takes place on March 20 with a large-scale light installation that will shine into the Berlin night sky shortly after 7 p.m. The campaign aims to bring the historic tower back into the public consciousness—both as a symbol of Berlin’s urban history and as a vibrant place on the exhibition grounds beneath the tower. In the anniversary year, the Radio Tower will reopen to visitors on March 24 following a renovation break. Tickets for the observation deck are available exclusively via the online ticket shop at www.whatthefunk.berlin.

A landmark with identity and history

Opened in 1926, the Radio Tower was a symbol of technological progress and the international aspirations of the Berlin Trade Fair Organization. As the transmission tower for the world’s first television images, an observation point, and a striking silhouette, it shaped the cityscape for decades. For many Berliners, it remains the first landmark they see when entering the city—a familiar point of orientation and a piece of personal memory. The anniversary year builds on exactly this connection.

“The Radio Tower is a part of Berlin’s identity. With ‘What the Funk,’ we are bringing it back into the city’s awareness,” says Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. “We are not celebrating a museum, but a living landmark. For 100 years, the Radio Tower has stood for a spirit of innovation—and in 2026, we are letting that spirit shine again,” adds Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin.

Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner, says: “Berlin is celebrating a century-old landmark: our Radio Tower turns 100. The Radio Tower belongs to Berlin just like the Brandenburg Gate or the TV Tower—and is an indispensable part of the Berlin skyline. It stands for everything that makes Berlin strong: courage to embrace the new, technological innovation, and an unshakable belief in progress. Even after 100 years, the Radio Tower has lost none of its fascination. It reminds us that Berlin is always strongest when we think big and overcome boundaries.”

On March 20, Wegner will officially start the anniversary year and present the light installation that will repeatedly showcase the landmark in special brilliance throughout the year.

A Celebration for All of Berlin

The campaign slogan “What the Funk” deliberately plays with language, expectations, and Berlin humor. It combines the name of the Radio Tower with a pop-cultural twist—surprising, self-ironic, and attention-grabbing. The centerpiece of the 360-degree campaign is a spectacular light installation that makes the tower shine. The light show will be presented on selected occasions throughout 2026, including trade fairs and congresses hosted by Messe Berlin, as well as other events in the fall.

On June 6, 2026, the Radio Tower will become a symbol of love and transform into a registry office at a height of 55 meters: six couples will say “I do” with a unique view over Berlin. They will be selected through a radio campaign in cooperation with rbb 88.8, bringing the anniversary into the city’s community.

During the summer holidays, Messe Berlin will offer historical guided tours of the Radio Tower on July 10–11 and August 8–9, providing insights into the history and architecture of the listed structure. Tickets cannot be purchased but will be raffled in advance. Additional light shows are planned for the fall, including during the official anniversary celebrations in early September.

In preparation for the 100th anniversary, extensive modernization measures were carried out on the observation platform and in the Radio Tower restaurant. The entrance area was redesigned, information boards updated, an online ticket shop introduced, and new merchandising options created. In this way, the landmark is not only being celebrated but also sustainably developed for the future. After a ten-month renovation break, the Radio Tower will reopen to the public on March 24. Tickets for the observation deck are now available digitally. The restaurant has also reopened on weekends, inviting guests to enjoy fine dining 55 meters above ground.

More information about the anniversary year: www.whatthefunk.berlin

Tickets for the observation platform: https://tickets.whatthefunk.berlin/