Altes Museum
The Altes Museum ( Old Museum), located in Lustgarten on Museum Island is impressive for both incredible neoclassical architecture and its renowned collection of antiquities.
Designed by the renowned Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, construction took place between 1823 and 1828. it was inaugurated as a museum in 1830.
The museum underwent a long period of repair and restoration between 1951 and 1966. Some of the repairs were to damage caused during the Second World War. In 1999 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further restorative work was undertaken between 2010 and 2011.
As you approach the entrance to the Altes Museum you will be greeted by a massive staircase leading up to the 18 towering columns of the Portico. This is reminiscient of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. A sculpture of an eagle stands directly above each column on the front edge of the roof.
The staircase and elevated main floor, are not just for grandeur, they were neccesary to protect the museum from occassional floods.
Upon entering, you’ll find yourself in an large, impressive, light-filled rotunda ringed with antique sculptures. From there you’ll be led on a chronological journey through two floors of rooms containing ancient Roman, Greek and Estrucan artifacts. Highlights include a huge collection consisting of 1300 coins dating from the 7th Century BC to the 3rd Century AD, the treasure chest, a valuable collection of ancient jewelry and gemstones, and busts of Caesar and Cleopatra.
Allow about one-and-a-half to two hours for your visit.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesAltes Museum Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 266424242
Official Website: Altes Museum
Altes Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
It sits at the far end of a lovely park, close to Berlin’s main sights, and houses antiquities from Greece, Rome, the wider Roman Empire, and Etruria. The collection is impressive: everything from tools and weapons to statues and sculptures, displayed in beautiful rooms. I give it four stars only because staff start shutting sections well before closing time and can rush visitors out, which feels stressful if you arrive late. Plan to visit early in the day to enjoy it at your own pace.
Fabrizio Porreca - a month ago
Neues Museum, located on Berlin’s Museum Island, is a true gem for anyone interested in archaeology, ancient civilizations, and world history. The museum’s architecture alone is worth the visit—beautifully restored after World War II damage, it strikes a perfect balance between historical preservation and modern design.
The collection is rich and diverse, spanning from prehistoric artifacts to Ancient Egyptian treasures. The star of the museum is undoubtedly the famous bust of Nefertiti—breathtakingly elegant and displayed with the respect it deserves. You’ll also find fascinating exhibits from the Roman and Greek periods, as well as early European history.
The layout is thoughtfully organized, and the multilingual descriptions make it accessible for international visitors. Plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours here if you want to explore thoroughly.
Neues Museum isn’t just a museum—it’s a journey through thousands of years of human history. If you’re in Berlin and even remotely curious about ancient cultures, this place should definitely be on your list.
Gizem Karagöz - a month ago
Excellent museum of ancient Greece, the Etruscans and Rome. So many incredible things to look at. Lots of good signage to give some context. You must visit if you love the ancient world as I do. Be prepared for the giant phallus and the images of bestiality!
Jamie Hay - 5 months ago
It has a wonderful collection of ancient artefacts from different areas in Europe. I highly recommend visiting it.
Gloria García - a week ago
Directions
How to get to Altes Museum by U-Bahn, S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Line(s): S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S25, S26, S75, U6
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Station(s): Berlin Friedrichstraße
Exit from Friedrichstraße Station. Walk one block south on Fredrichstrasse and go left (east) on Dorotheenstrasse. When you get to the river, go right on Am Kupfergraben and cross the bridge just ahead. Once over the bridge turn right into Lustgarten to get to the front of the Altes Museum.
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Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
