Museum Island
If you love Museums, Museum Island is an absolute must see. There is no place like this anywhere else in the world. Visit five world class museums on one island for one admission fee.
The entire site is a bit of a museum itself, being ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. In addition to exploring the diverse exhibits you will also be taken aback by the incredible architecture.
The island which sits in the river Spree was formerly a residential area, but was dedicated to "art and science" in 1841 by Prussian King Frederick William IV.
There are a total of five museums on the island and while we will outline them briefly here, we will not go into too much detail as we have a page dedicated to each one.
The five museums are:
- The Pergamon Museum, home to the Greek alter after which it's named, features incredible exhibits from the ancient east.
- The Bode Museum was refurbished in 2005. It features sculptures from medieval times to the late 1700s and paintings from Late Byzantine to 1800.
- The Neues Museum, a beautiful addition to the island, was built in the mid 1800s. It suffered severe bomb damage during WW2 and lay in ruin until a 10 year reconstruction process that ended in 2009. It showcases archaeological items and sculptures from Egypt and Etruscan and more.
- The Alte National Gallery opened in 1876 is as its name suggests a musuem of art, more specifically paintings and sculptures from the early 19th century along with Impressionist and early modernist art.
- The Altes Museum first opened in 1830, is the oldest of the 5 museums and showcases art and sculpture from classical antiquity.
In spite of its name, the island is not just limited to museums. It is also home to the impressive Berlin Cathedral and Lustgarten Park.
Visitors can easily spend a full day or even several days exploring all 5 museums. If you only have time to see one or two we would recommend the Pergamon Museum and the Altes Museum in that order.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee:Yes - Fees vary by MuseumAddress: Museum Island, 10 Berlin, Germany
Official Website: Museum Island
Museum Island Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful place. We visited the Dome and the Christmas market. We went up the steps of the Dome where we could admire great panoramic views of Berlin. The Christmas market had a wonderful festive atmosphere, especially once you've gone through the arches into the courtyard.
Z B - a month ago
A UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising five major museums on one island. It’s a great place to stroll round and soak up the atmosphere even if you don’t visit a Museum. Lots of building works but still an enjoyable experience.
linda - 3 months ago
Museum Island is one of Berlin’s most impressive highlights—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings together five major museums on a single, stunning island. Whether you step inside or simply walk around, the atmosphere is rich, historic, and beautifully immersive.
The island is home to the Pergamon Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Neues Museum, Altes Museum, and Bode Museum—each offering something unique, from ancient civilizations and archaeological wonders to classical art, sculpture, and cultural history. Even with some construction happening around the area, the charm of the place remains untouched.
The architecture across the island is truly remarkable and feels different from the rest of Berlin—grand, elegant, and full of character. It’s always busy with tourists, yet surprisingly clean and well-kept. Just be mindful of the usual tourist traps nearby.
Vidya H - a month ago
Good stroll photo places, some museums are free with welcome pass but boring. The doom there is 7 euro with pass but beautifu
ai Book - 2 weeks ago
In the heart of Berlin, Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses five of the city’s most important museums. Ancient artifacts at the Pergamon Museum or classical art at the Alte Nationalgalerie, this island offers a cultural treat.
Ana S - 5 months ago
Directions
How to get to Museum Island 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 at Friedrichstraße Station. Walk one block south on Fredrichstraße and go left (east) on Dorotheenstraße. Museum Island and the Pergamon are just 2 blocks ahead.
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Accommodations near Museum Island:
Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: sergei.gussev - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dennis S. Hurd - cc license via Flickr
