Messe Berlin kicked off the anniversary year on 20 March 2026 with the “What the Funk” campaign. A spectacular light installation illuminated the Funkturm in a completely new way for the first time, bringing the historic landmark back into the spotlight in the German capital. The campaign slogan deliberately plays with language, expectations and Berlin humour: it combines the name of the Funkturm with a pop-cultural twist that is surprising, self-ironic and designed to attract attention.

The Funkturm’s story continues

To mark the 100th anniversary of its opening on 3 September, the Funkturm will once again shine in a very special light. As part of the official IFA Opening Gala, the tower will be illuminated in vibrant colours. In doing so, IFA is continuing the light installation and paying tribute to the Berlin landmark. The message to the world: Welcome to Berlin. Welcome to the exhibition halls beneath the Funkturm.

“One hundred years of the Funkturm represent one hundred years of Berlin’s history of progress – from the world’s first television images and the light signals of the Berlin Airlift to today’s digital age. With ‘What the Funk’, we are not only commemorating the history of the Funkturm, but also opening a new chapter: the tower has once again become a vibrant, illuminated place that the city can both see and experience,” says Dr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin.

“It connects the past with the future, tradition with innovation, and stands as a shining symbol of Messe Berlin and of Berlin as a whole. On its 100th birthday and as part of the IFA Opening Gala, the colourful illumination will send a clear message to the world: Welcome to Berlin – welcome to Messe Berlin beneath the Funkturm,” adds Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin.

A landmark with character and history

Opened in 1926, the Funkturm was a symbol of technological progress and the international ambitions of Berlin’s exhibition industry from the very beginning. As early as 1929, the Funkturm broadcast the world’s first television test images. In 1930, Albert Einstein opened the radio exhibition at the foot of the tower and praised the unnamed technicians as the true democrats who had made radio accessible to the masses.

Severely damaged during the Second World War and left standing on only three legs, the tower was painstakingly repaired after 1945. During the Berlin Airlift, it helped guide pilots towards Tempelhof and served as a beacon for the free world. For many Berliners, it remains the first landmark they see when entering the city – a familiar point of orientation and part of their personal memories of Berlin.

The restaurant, located around 55 metres above ground and still characterised by the atmosphere of Berlin’s Golden Twenties, was also modernised ahead of the anniversary. Famous guests such as Marlene Dietrich were already celebrating here in the 1950s.

Following a ten-month renovation period, the Funkturm reopened to the public in March 2026. Since then, its observation deck and restaurant have once again invited visitors to experience Berlin from a bird’s-eye perspective. Thanks to the newly established online ticket shop, visitors can plan their trip to the Funkturm from the comfort of their own homes.

A new merchandise vending machine is also available on site, offering visitors a souvenir to ensure their visit to Berlin’s beloved “Langer Lulatsch” – or “Lanky Lad” – remains a lasting memory.

The 2026 anniversary year – looking back and ahead

In addition to the recurring light shows, a wide range of special activities is marking the anniversary year. In chronological order:

• 20 March 2026: Following an extensive renovation, the Funkturm was ceremonially reopened together with Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, Senator for Economic Affairs Franziska Giffey and other invited guests.
• 6 June 2026: The Funkturm became a very special registry office 55 metres above the ground. Six couples tied the knot after being selected through a radio campaign in cooperation with rbb 88.8.
• 10 and 11 July and 8 and 9 August 2026: During the summer holidays, historical guided tours of the Funkturm offered visitors fascinating insights into the history and architecture of the listed tower.
• 3 September 2026: On its 100th birthday, the Funkturm will be illuminated in vibrant colours as part of the official IFA Opening Gala. The official “WhatTheFunk – Der Funkturm Podcast” will also be available on the anniversary website from this date. Two genuine Funkturm experts explore every aspect of the landmark – right down to its very last steel girder.
• 3 to 7 September 2026: 100 Funkturm tickets will be given away in 100 hours! Anyone posting a birthday greeting on Instagram or TikTok will have the chance to win a free ticket to the observation deck. Details of the competition will be available on Messe Berlin’s Instagram and TikTok channels.
• 9 to 18 October 2026: Berlin’s Festival of Lights will turn night into day, drawing millions of visitors onto the streets of the capital. In its anniversary year, the Funkturm will also shine in a spectacular array of colours.
• 9 to 31 October 2026: Berliners will be able to request their favourite colour for the Funkturm as part of a joint campaign with rbb 88.8.
• 10 October 2026: The atmosphere of the 1920s will return to the Funkturm. Under the title “100 Years of Berlin’s Funkturm – The Roaring Twenties Anniversary Night”, guests at the Funkturm Restaurant can look forward to a special anniversary dinner featuring live music and more. Tickets for the event are available via Eventim.
• November 2026: The Funkturm will broadcast once again – this time using light signals in Morse code to send a secret message across the Berlin night sky. Those who manage to decipher the code will have the chance to win special prizes.

Since Berlin’s Funkturm reopened, almost 10,000 visitors have enjoyed the observation deck at a height of 126 metres. Tickets for the observation deck are available from the online ticket shop. The restaurant is also open at weekends, inviting guests to enjoy fine dining 55 metres above the ground. Guests can reserve a table at the Funkturm Restaurant online.

Further information about the Funkturm is available at www.whatthefunk.berlin.

About Messe Berlin

Berlin has been a trade fair venue for over 200 years, and for many decades one of the most important worldwide. As the trade fair company owned by the capital, every year Messe Berlin conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events. It aims to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company’s slogan ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’.