Altes Museum

Facada of the Altes Museum from Lustgarten
Facada of the Altes Museum from Lustgarten cc licensed photo by Harald Henkel

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

Official Website: Altes Museum

Fee: Yes

Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 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

Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5Altes Museum Star Rating

5 Star Rating This museum of dedicated to Greek and Roman art: paintings, sculptures, jewelry etc. Don't expect anything more or anything less. If you like antique culture and art, this is the place to go. Recommend.
Roman Dostál - 11 days ago

4 Star Rating Nice museum with lots of artifacts and antiques. The museum has two floors, you will need approximately 2 - 3 hours to explore all the sections. Referring to the floor map and details would be really helpful. It has lots to provide if you are interested in history and antiques. There is a place to keep your belongings, washrooms and cafe in the museum. I loved the lemon cake in the cafe. We had booked our slots on Sunday through the museum on Sundays website. Note: The museum is free on the first Sunday of every month. Slots open 1 week before.
Swati Murteli - 3 months ago

4 Star Rating We could buy tickets to this museum at the site on the day. Here you can see lots of beautiful statues and vases significant in the history. Our kids enjoyed seeing lots of statues and vases with audio guide.
Don Pokocha - 3 months ago

5 Star Rating A good detailed 2 floor history museum depicting Greek artefacts and the like. Good value and free cloakroom facility as they make you store this and any bags. Well worth a visit.
Vin Chenzo - 4 months ago

4 Star Rating Great place to check out in Berlin. The entrance is as amazing as it's size, full of sculptures. At the time i visited there were not too much people, so from 13:00 until 16:00 is ok to visit. They have a package if you want to visit all the museums in the area, so keep in mind that before buying a one time entry ticket. Overall i enjoyed watching and reading all story behind these magnificent works, and surely will comeback if they have another exposition.
Alessandro Stefan - 5 months ago

Accommodations near Altes Museum:

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 Gallery

Video


Watch this video for a very interesting overview of the amazing Altes Museum.
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