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

Fee: Yes

Altes Museum Hours:
Opening 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

Altes Museum Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Altes Museum in Berlin! With two floors filled with artifacts and antiques, it's a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The floor map proved incredibly helpful, and I recommend taking about 1.5 - 2.5 hours to explore all the sections. The museum provides storage for belongings, washrooms, and a delightful cafe – the lemon cake is a must-try! Booking slots on Sundays through the museum's website was convenient, especially considering the free admission on the first Sunday of each month. The museum primarily focuses on Greek and Roman art, offering a detailed exploration of paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. The two-floor setup provides a comprehensive journey through history, and the free cloakroom is a bonus. If you're into antique culture and art, this museum is a definite recommendation. Overall, a worthwhile destination for those intrigued by ancient history and art.
Nakrani Hardik - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The "Alte Museum" is dedicated to Greek, Roman and Etruscan artefacts, and contains an exquiste collection for these focus areas. The collection consists mainly of statues, sculptures, vases and other pottery, jewelry, tools and weapons. My personal favorite highlight is the greek section.
Johannes Eiglsperger - a week ago

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5 Star Rating One of the world’s great collections of Greek, Roman and Etruscan art, from vessels and vases to sculpture and architectural fragments, mosaic floors, painting, votives, jewelry, erotic art—everything! The museum building itself is perhaps the best example of 19th century architecture in the city and a strong contender for the city’s best building ÜBERHAUPT! A magnificent staircase up to the building’s prominent location on Museum Island is followed by an epic rotunda modeled on the Pantheon in Rome—coat check and tickets are pretty rustic but the collection shines and the display of art and artifacts still impresses with its spare, clean presentation. Unmissable.
Nathan Eddy - a month ago

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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 - 3 months ago

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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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