Founded by Irene Moessinger, it opened in 1980 next to the Berlin Wall on the west side of Potsdamer Platz, housed in a large circus tent.

The original location attracted noise complaints, and in 1985, the Tempodrom moved to a site in the Tiergarten, where it remained until displaced by construction of the new German Chancellery.

While a small section of the old station façade was retained (and is still standing), the entire train shed was removed, leaving a large open area.

The basic floor plan is square, accommodating three performance spaces as well as a bistro and various offices and restrooms, underneath a wooden-floored terrace which hosts a beer garden in season.

[3] The two arenas are both circular, with the larger, centrally located space covered by a 37 metres (121 ft) steel and concrete panel roof intended to echo the form of the tents of the original site.