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A monument to Ulm's queer history: memory of the aquarium!
On November 9, 2025, a memorial stone was inaugurated in Ulm for the legendary nightclub “Aquarium,” which was dedicated to the queer scene.
A monument to Ulm's queer history: memory of the aquarium!
A special inauguration took place in Ulm on November 9, 2025: a memorial stone for the legendary “Aquarium” nightclub was ceremoniously unveiled. Despite the pouring rain, numerous supporters and companions came together to honor the queer scene's meeting point, which has existed for over three decades. The club, which was run by Manfred Zauter and Garry Lottermoser between 1966 and 1999, is an important chapter in Ulm's history, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
Zauter and Lottermoser are considered to be the first gay couple to appear publicly in Ulm. The memorial stone measures 60 × 60 cm and is intended to remind not only of the aquarium's colorful past, but also of the prominent guests who celebrated there. Among these were greats like Nina Hagen and Udo Jürgens, as well as international stars like Freddie Mercury, who celebrated his 39th birthday in the aquarium in 1985. Rumors even say that Michael Jackson personally attended the celebrations, although his double was also seen.
A day dedicated to remembrance
Sunday was entirely dedicated to the cult club and its importance for society. A documentary about the aquarium was shown in the Mephisto cinema, while the play “Aquarium ’85” was performed in the Ulm Theater. SWR reports that in a moving speech, Eva-Maria Glathe-Braun remembered Rafael Blumenstock, a regular guest of the club, who died 35 years ago under circumstances that are still unclear today. The murder case, which suggests homophobic motives, remains a dark chapter in the city's history.
Ariane Müller, who launched the initiative to lay the memorial stone, emphasized the importance of safe spaces for queer people in her speech. As a symbolic gesture, champagne glasses were placed on the memorial stone to toast the aquarium's colorful past and the memory of its guests. A day of remembrance for many that underlines the appreciation for queer culture in Ulm.
A look into the future
The inauguration of the memorial stone is a strong sign of tolerance and openness in society. Especially in times when the rights and perspectives of minorities are coming into focus more than ever, it is important to create such places of remembrance. They serve not only as a reminder, but also as a means of enlightenment and solidarity.
Finally, the initiative emphasizes that maintaining memories of places like the aquarium is crucial to teaching future generations the importance of diversity and acceptance. A prime example of how history can be actively integrated into everyday life.