International Club Berlin

The history of the International Club Berlin goes back a long way – to the time of the club's founders in the late 19th century. In 1920, the Berlin Ice-skating Club acquired the elegant premises in the Thüringer Allee to set up a sports centre and their own club house. In summer, the Berlin aristocracy played tennis here in wonderful surroundings and met up to socialise, play chess and practise their fencing skills. In winter, the picture was different – ice skating was transformed into a social event. Wrapped up warmly but nevertheless stylish and elegant, Berlin society took to the artificially-created ice which now covered the Centre Court at the club house. And so it was that this sporting address on Thüringer Allee became a permanent fixture in the social calendar of Berlin – and remained so for many years to come. 

In 1945, the identity of the premises on Thüringer Allee underwent some changes. The sports complex became the home of the British Officers' Club. From now on, the typical "fine English manners" started to influence the style and the life of the club – continuing for almost 5 decades. This close connection to Great Britain is something which is still cultivated by the International Club Berlin. This is why the numerous prominent honorary members of the club always include the current British ambassador. They follow in the footsteps of the British City Commandant and founding president of the ICB, Major-General Patrick G. Brooking, who was one of the driving forces in the founding of the International Club Berlin by a group of 35 citizens of Berlin following the withdrawal of the British military forces from the city.

With its founding in the year 1994, the International Club Berlin was keen to continue in the tradition of the British Officers' Club and developed into a place to meet up, a place for conversation and for sharing ideas and experiences. Ever since then, guests with an international background have been meeting up here with citizens of Berlin from the worlds of business, politics, art and culture – to share experiences, make new contacts and socialise in an informal atmosphere. Or to celebrate special occasions together. In the year 2006, the International Club Berlin was able to acquire these magnificent premises from the City of Berlin authorities – thanks to the initiative and the untiring commitment of the Board of Directors. With financial support from the members as well as from the Gothaer Insurance Company, the future of this unique urban country club could thus be secured.  Today, the club enjoys an outstanding reputation far beyond the boundaries of Berlin itself. For this reason, too—as in the times of the British Officers' Club—a member of the British Royal Family is the patron of our club – Prince Charles, the heir to the throne of the United Kingdom.