Altes Museum Berlin
A neoclassical masterpiece housing ancient Greek and Roman treasures, Altes Museum Berlin offers a journey through antiquity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Altes Museum Berlin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A neoclassical masterpiece housing ancient Greek and Roman treasures, Altes Museum Berlin offers a journey through antiquity.
"Step back in time at Altes Museum Berlin, where stunning architecture meets ancient wonders."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your Altes Museum Berlin tickets in advance online.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking; comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the Altes Museum collection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rotunda
Central Hall
Marvel at the grand rotunda, a stunning architectural centerpiece inspired by the Pantheon.
Greek and Roman Antiquities
Permanent Collections
Explore a vast collection of sculptures, pottery, and artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome.
Sculpture of the "Berlin Boxer"
Collection of Classical Antiquities
See the iconic Hellenistic bronze sculpture, a testament to ancient artistry.
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Altes Museum
Navigating the Museum Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your Altes Museum Berlin tickets in advance online.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking; comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the Altes Museum collection.
🏛️ Museum Island Pass
Consider a Museum Pass for access to multiple museums on Museum Island, including Altes Museum.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check current photography rules; flash is usually prohibited inside the Altes Museum Berlin.
5-Day Berlin Itinerary: Seeking Advice, Recommendations, Critique
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your Altes Museum Berlin tickets in advance online.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking; comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the Altes Museum collection.
🏛️ Museum Island Pass
Consider a Museum Pass for access to multiple museums on Museum Island, including Altes Museum.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Check current photography rules; flash is usually prohibited inside the Altes Museum Berlin.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Altes Museum Berlin for its stunning neoclassical architecture, particularly the grand rotunda, and its impressive collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. Many find it a peaceful and educational experience, especially when visiting during off-peak hours. Some visitors note that while the collection is significant, it might be less engaging for very young children compared to other museums.
"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
"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
"Don't take this the wrong way, the museum itself is absolutely splendid, with many artefacts from the ancient period - the "lust" collection was both informative and amusing.
However, the rating is for the personnel. We had arrived later than we estimated and were informed we have about 40 minutes to visit before closure - no issue there, we said we'll rush.
By the time we were nearing the end, with 20 minutes left until the scheduled closing time, the guards were rolling their eyes and pointing at the clock. That's when we were headed to the Roman section, and were told we have "at most 10 minutes for it, or leave".
We rushed and were done with 11 minutes before closure, a margin I would deem more than decent (honestly, anything within a minute of closure should be acceptable). I wanted to use the bathroom as I had a little bit of an emergency, and so I asked the guard, which replied in a very annoyed manner "There is no bathroom, it's closed, everything's closed". We figured he might just have his knickers in a twist, and were hoping to ask another one at the ground floor - he opened the door and gestured us out before we were anywhere near. Alas, I got the same reply from this one as well.
All in all, if you are not pressed for time, then they might behave properly, but I do not believe this is an acceptable behaviour. If time is insufficient, then list the opening hours as ending at 5.40 instead of 6. Or act accordingly."
Bogdan Lupu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Altes Museum Berlin is easily accessible via public transport. Take the S-Bahn to Friedrichstraße or Hackescher Markt, or the U-Bahn to Museumsinsel (U5). Several tram and bus lines also stop nearby.
Yes, the Altes Museum is a central part of Berlin's Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From BER, take the Airport Express train (FEX) to Hauptbahnhof (Central Station), then transfer to regional trains or the S-Bahn towards the city center. Alternatively, the S-Bahn lines S9 or S45 can take you closer to Museum Island.
Parking directly at Altes Museum Berlin is very limited. It's highly recommended to use public transportation or a taxi/ride-share service.
If you're exploring Berlin's city center, Altes Museum is within walking distance of attractions like the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a standard adult ticket for Altes Museum is typically around €12. Check the official Staatliche Museen zu Berlin website for current pricing and potential discounts.
It's highly recommended to book your Altes Museum Berlin tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid long queues.
Altes Museum Berlin is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 10 AM to 6 PM. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any special closures.
Yes, the Museum Pass Berlin offers entry to over 30 museums, including Altes Museum, for three consecutive days. This can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple museums.
While specific free entry days are not common, some special events or exhibitions might offer free admission. It's best to check the museum's official website for any announcements.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Altes Museum Berlin showcases impressive collections of Greek and Roman antiquities, including sculptures, pottery, and everyday objects from antiquity. The architecture itself, especially the rotunda, is a major highlight. +1
A typical visit to Altes Museum Berlin can last between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your interest in the collections and the architecture.
Altes Museum Berlin generally offers accessibility features, including elevators and ramps. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific details regarding your needs.
Photography without flash is usually permitted for personal use in Altes Museum Berlin. However, always check for signage or ask staff, as restrictions can apply to specific exhibits.
Yes, guided tours are often available at Altes Museum Berlin, providing deeper insights into the collections and history. Check the museum's schedule for tour times and languages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Altes Museum Berlin typically has a small cafe or kiosk for light refreshments. For a wider selection of dining options, explore the numerous restaurants and cafes on Museum Island or in the surrounding Mitte district.
The area around Altes Museum offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from traditional German cuisine to international dishes. You'll find everything from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into the exhibition halls of Altes Museum Berlin is not permitted. There are usually designated areas where you can consume your own refreshments.
Yes, Berlin is very vegan and vegetarian-friendly. You'll find plenty of restaurants offering plant-based options in the vicinity of Altes Museum.
For a quick bite, look for bakeries or casual cafes in the Mitte district. Many offer sandwiches, pastries, and salads perfect for a grab-and-go lunch.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand rotunda is a must-photograph spot. The neoclassical facade and the Lustgarten park in front of Altes Museum also offer excellent photo opportunities. +1
Tripods are generally not allowed inside Altes Museum Berlin to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging exhibits. Always check the museum's specific photography policy.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for capturing the interior details. However, a smartphone with a decent camera can also produce great shots, especially with good lighting.
Yes, drone usage is strictly prohibited in most public areas in Berlin, especially around cultural landmarks like Altes Museum and Museum Island, due to safety and privacy regulations.
Morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots of Altes Museum, while the interior rotunda is well-lit throughout the day. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for fewer people in your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
📸 Photography Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Altes Museum
Schinkel's vision for Altes Museum was to create a public museum that was both accessible and monumental. The building's proportions and the use of classical elements were carefully considered to evoke a sense of awe and intellectual curiosity.
Exploring Ancient Worlds: The Collections
Each exhibit in the Altes Museum is carefully curated to tell a story, from the myths depicted on painted vases to the power and artistry of Roman portrait busts.
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