Ballsaal Lego / Ballhaus Caro, Germany

Ballsaal Lego is a well-known abandoned ballroom in east Germany. Balhaus Caro is an alternative name for this location. It is a fantastic example of a German Democratic Republic (GDR) ballroom.

The origins of the Ballsaal Lego codename are easy to see. The ceiling of the ballroom is brightly coloured and divided into blocks. The comparison with lego bricks is a charmingly whimsical one.

I visited this ballroom during the Germany Summer 2020 – The GDR Ballroom Tour. Upon my arrival, I see a well-trodden path through the overgrowth. It leads towards the side of the building. The route is clearly regularly frequented. As I enter the lower floor there are numerous holes in the floor above my head. I catch my first glimpses of the colourful ceiling of the upper floor ballroom.

The wooden floorboards of Ballsaal Lego are rotten and treacherous. A large part of the ceiling has collapsed during recent years. The floor at this side of the room looks too fragile, so I remain at a safe distance.

Tracing the historical roots of Ballsaal Lego

It can be deduced that this ballroom was built around 1900, perhaps a decade either side. Most of the GDR ballrooms date back to the early 20th Century, therefore this is a relatively sound assumption. During this time, the economy of Germany was booming. Every town and village had a ballroom like this one. The townsfolk would gather here for parties and entertainment. It is sad that what once was a hive of activity, has now been forgotten and is falling into disrepair.

Despite being one of the more famous ballsaal, there is little history available. Even a relatively thorough internet search hasn’t yielded me with any more information. Usually, some historical records or references can be found. Ultimately despite using my usual methods, I have come up with very little.