Germany's largest brothel ready for 2006 World Cup
Associated Press
September 24, 2005
BERLIN -- Organizers of what they claim will be Germany's largest brothel have unveiled the building, which is set to open in time for the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament.
The Artemis brothel near the Olympic Stadium is a four-storey building with a pool, sauna and movie theatre. It will accommodate up to 650 men and 100 women at any one time, said Norman Jacob, the lawyer representing its backers.
Germany legalized prostitution in 2003.
"The cleaner, the more transparent, the better," said Jacob. "I think people will want to come here because it has a very nice atmosphere."
Jacob and investors, who are remaining anonymous, showed onlookers some of the themed rooms, with titles like "Toscana" and "Cleopatra," each decorated and painted to reflect their inspirations.
A circular stairway with bright red carpeting and gold-coloured railings that bisects the building will take potential customers from the bottom-floor pool to the bar and then up to the top floor and private rooms.
Jacob denied that the brothel was built to take advantage of the crowds flooding Germany for next year's World Cup, to be held in Germany. He said however that Artemis's location, close to soccer stadiums, would be convenient for potential customers.
"I think football and sex go together," he said, while sitting on a velvet couch among frescoes of reclining Roman, Greek and Persian woman in the building's main bar.
He said the women would pay a one-time $85 US fee and be allowed to occupy a room for up to three months. During that time, each will be provided with free food and gym access. Customers would pay an entrance fee but would otherwise pay the women directly.
Jacob said the house of prostitution had received its licence in court and subsequently worked with the surrounding neighbourhood to address its concerns. "We had to do this step by step," he said, adding the establishment will not serve alcohol to customers.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005
Associated Press
September 24, 2005
BERLIN -- Organizers of what they claim will be Germany's largest brothel have unveiled the building, which is set to open in time for the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament.
The Artemis brothel near the Olympic Stadium is a four-storey building with a pool, sauna and movie theatre. It will accommodate up to 650 men and 100 women at any one time, said Norman Jacob, the lawyer representing its backers.
Germany legalized prostitution in 2003.
"The cleaner, the more transparent, the better," said Jacob. "I think people will want to come here because it has a very nice atmosphere."
Jacob and investors, who are remaining anonymous, showed onlookers some of the themed rooms, with titles like "Toscana" and "Cleopatra," each decorated and painted to reflect their inspirations.
A circular stairway with bright red carpeting and gold-coloured railings that bisects the building will take potential customers from the bottom-floor pool to the bar and then up to the top floor and private rooms.
Jacob denied that the brothel was built to take advantage of the crowds flooding Germany for next year's World Cup, to be held in Germany. He said however that Artemis's location, close to soccer stadiums, would be convenient for potential customers.
"I think football and sex go together," he said, while sitting on a velvet couch among frescoes of reclining Roman, Greek and Persian woman in the building's main bar.
He said the women would pay a one-time $85 US fee and be allowed to occupy a room for up to three months. During that time, each will be provided with free food and gym access. Customers would pay an entrance fee but would otherwise pay the women directly.
Jacob said the house of prostitution had received its licence in court and subsequently worked with the surrounding neighbourhood to address its concerns. "We had to do this step by step," he said, adding the establishment will not serve alcohol to customers.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005
