Must-See Museums: Your Guide to Berlin’s Museum Island

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Museum Island is located in the northern part of Spree Island in Berlin.
Since 1999, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island is home to five famous museums: the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum,
the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum. Each museum offers something unique, from ancient artifacts and classical art to sculptures and historical treasures. Visiting Museum Island is a must for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.

Access to Museum Island [Museumsinsel]

Museum Island is easily accessible by public transportation, with several U-Bahn and
S-Bahn stations nearby, such as Hackescher Markt and Friedrichstraße. You can also reach it by
bus 100 or 200 [Lustgarten] or tram, and it’s a pleasant walk from many central Berlin locations.

Explore Berlin’s Museum Island with free entry and 72-hour public transport included using the Berlin WelcomeCard Museum Island, featuring discounts on attractions
and a helpful guidebook.

Ticket prices

StandardConcession
Pergamon Museum€ 12€ 6
Neues Museum€ 16€ 8
Alte Nationalgalerie€ 16€ 8
Altes Museum€ 12€ 6
Bode Museum€ 12€ 6
1-Day Ticket for all museums€ 24€ 12

Admission to the museums on Museum Island is free for visitors under 18.

Many visitors choose to explore just one museum, with the Pergamon Museum being
the most popular. However, if you plan to visit at least two museums, it’s worth
purchasing the 1-day ticket, which grants access to all five museums.

Even during the off-season, the ticket lines can be long, so to save time, it’s highly
recommended to buy your tickets online in advance.

Discover history and art with the Berlin: Museum Island 5-Museum Entry Ticket,
giving you a full day of access to all five museums without time-slot reservations.

The Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is currently closed for renovation. Selected works
are on display at the neighboring Pergamon Museum. The Panorama.

The Pergamon Museum boasts one of the world’s largest collections of artifacts from
ancient Greece and the Middle East. Even those who aren’t usually interested in
museums will find this one captivating.

★ The audio guide is included in the ticket price.

In the photo, you can see the cobalt blue Ishtar Gate,
a stunning reproduction of Babylon’s gateway.

The Market Gate of Miletus, built in 120 BC, showcases a blend of
Hellenistic and Roman architectural styles.

The Colonnade of the Temple of Pergamum features statues on either side of the pillars:
Emperor Trajan on the right and Emperor Hadrian on the left.

The Miletus Mosaic Floor is a beautiful example of Roman style,
depicting the Greek myth of Orpheus.

Following this, there’s an extensive exhibition on Ancient Western Asia and Islamic Art.

(Photo below) The Aleppo Room stands out with its vibrant colors and intricate details,
recreating the reception hall of a wealthy Ottoman merchant.

 

The Mshatta Facade is a richly decorated part of
the 8th-century Umayyad residential palace of Mshatta.

Unfortunately, during our visit, the famous Pergamon Altar was under restoration.

Pro Tips for Visiting

★ To visit the museum comfortably, you can store your belongings in a locker, which opens with a €1 coin (refunded upon collection).

★ Public toilets in Germany usually require a fee, so take advantage of the free facilities within the museum.

Address: Am Kupfergraben 5
Opening hours: 10 ~ 18
Closed: Monday

Neues Museum

Founded in 1855, the Neues Museum endured significant damage during World War II
and reopened its doors in 2009.

The museum houses over 9,000 artifacts and artworks from Ancient Egypt.

Visitors can marvel at well-preserved hieroglyphs throughout the exhibits.

On the second floor lies the masterpiece “The Bust of Queen Nefertiti”,
a highlight of ancient Egyptian art, though photography is prohibited.

Sarcophagi adorned with engravings that narrate the lives of those interred are also on display.

Amenities such as a rest area and restrooms are conveniently located near the exit.

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3
Opening hours: 10 ~ 18
Closed: Monday
Buy tickets online to skip the lines!

During this visit, we explored two museums, but we look forward to
returning to see the remaining three!

Alte Nationalgalerie

Step into the Alte Nationalgalerie, designed like a Roman temple,
and explore its rich collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures.
Admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Manet, Cezanne, Monet,
Friedrich, and Liebermann, each offering a unique perspective on the artistry of the time.

Address: Bodestrasse 1-3
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 09:00 – 18:00 (Thu, Fri, Sat open until 20:00).
Closed: Monday
Buy tickets online to skip the lines!

Altes Museum

Step into the Altes Museum, a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture that resembles
a Greek temple. Built around 1830 and meticulously restored by 1966 following damage from
World War II, it stands as a testament to Berlin’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum’s collection focuses on Roman, Etruscan, and Greek art, offering a captivating journey through ancient civilizations. Whether you’re drawn to exquisite sculptures, intricate pottery, or ancient artifacts, the Altes Museum promises a memorable exploration of classical art and history.

Address: Am Lustgarten 10178
Opening hours: Wed to Fri: 10:00 – 17:00 / Sat to Sun: 10:00 – 18:00
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Buy tickets online to skip the lines!

Bode Museum

Explore the Bode Museum, a treasure trove showcasing exquisite collections of sculptures,
coins, and Byzantine art. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of these precious artifacts, offering a glimpse into diverse artistic traditions and cultural heritage.

Address: Am Kupfergraben 10117
Opening hours: Wed to Fri: 10:00 – 17:00 / Sat to Sun: 10:00 – 18:00
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Buy tickets online to skip the lines!

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In conclusion

Explore Berlin’s Museum Island, where each museum offers a unique journey through art and history. From the ancient treasures of the Pergamon Museum to the iconic Nefertiti bust at the
Neues Museum, you’ll discover rich cultural experiences. Plan ahead, book tickets early,
and enjoy a fascinating adventure through time and art.

Discover more of Berlin’s museums with the Klook Berlin Museum Pass,
saving up to 40% on over 10 attractions, including favorites like the
DDR Museum and the German Spy Museum.