If you decide to spend some quality time enjoying the cultural aspects of Berlin, then consider including the five museums on Museum Island. In 1999, Museum Island was recognized by UNESCO as a place of World Cultural Heritage. Although these five historical buildings are separate and house different collections, thematically they form a whole. Ongoing renovations on Museum Island are expected through 2019. Do not allow this to prevent your visit to this cultural oasis. From Alexanderplatz in the center of the Mitte neighborhood, take buses 100 and 200 to get to Museum Island.
Pergamonmuseum
Photo credit by Jaunting Jen via trover.com
The Pergamonmuseum
The Pergamonmuseum houses the Collection of Classical Antiquities, the Middle Eastern Museum, and the Museum of Islāmic Art. One section of the Pergamon Altar comes from Turkey and was reassembled in the museum. Unfortunately, this altar along with other sections of the museum are closed to the public until 2019 when renovations will be completed. This also means the museum is not handicap-accessible until renovations are complete.
The Bode Museum
The Bode Museum is where you will find the Numismatic Collection and the Museum of Byzantine Art. Expect Italian and German sculptures from the early Middle Ages to the late 18th century here, with many of the pre-Christian and Christian pieces coming from Rome and the religious items coming from Egypt. The Numismatic Collection has more than 4,000 coins and medals from the 7th century BC to present. Finally, there is also a children’s gallery on the premises.
Neues Museum
Renovation on the Neues Museum began in 1999 and continued until 2009 when it reopened. Its holdings include the Egyptian Museum and the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, including the bust of Nefertiti that sits in the New Museum. The NH Berlin Mitte is a reasonably priced, and what some call affordable, luxury hotel right in the center of Berlin near Checkpoint Charlie. The Pestana Berlin Tiergarten is another well-priced option in the affordable luxury category you might want to consider.
Alte Nationalgalerie
Greek and Roman antiquity will come alive for you in the Alte Nationalgalerie, which was initially built between 1867 and 1876. Its architecture was inspired by the Acropolis, so this building may seem familiar. You can enjoy artifacts ranging from the Aegean Bronze Age to the late Roman period. You will also have a chance to view artifacts obtained during the German museum’s excavations that date from the late 19th and early 20th century in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus.
Altes Museum
Altes Museum is the last of the five museums that are part of the Museum Island complex and features a classic colonnade facade. It was destroyed and rebuilt in the 1960s. View its permanent exhibition of Greek and Roman art known as the “New Antiquity in the Old Museum.”
Here are a few additional hotels in Berlin near Museum Island that may be of interest if only for their central location. And if visiting five museums is a bit of an overload, visit the area to enjoy the architecture and gardens.
This post was written as a part of the HIpmunk Planning a Trip Project. All opinions are my own.
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