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: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 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 Wandering through the heart of Berlin, I came across the Altes Museum, standing proudly on Museum Island near Alexanderplatz. The building’s impressive and inviting architecture drew me in, and I decided to explore the rich history of ancient Greece and Rome inside. For an entrance fee of €12 (€6 for students), I expected to learn a lot about the era’s history and see numerous sculptures from that time. The museum did not disappoint—hundreds of sculptures, paintings, and statues left me in awe of their beauty. The information and descriptions provided were clear and very informative. One point of critique, however, is that the exhibits are quite focused on Roman history. Overall, it's a fantastic museum to immerse yourself in and appreciate the history and art of ancient civilizations.
Fauzan Ritonga - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Very nice museum, with a lot of history! They have expositions for Greek history, Egyptian, and Roman with so many sculptures and artifacts. The building is one of the most important ones in Berlin with a Neoclassical style and it is located in the museum island. You can buy a ticket for the 5 museums of the island for €24 or the Berlin museum pass for 3 days that costs €32 and includes more museums. It’s totally worth it if you like history and art!
Alejandra Reyes - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The isle of museums offer different tastes of culture and knowledge. We decided to know a little bit more about the Greek and Roman empire A lot of sculpture and antics items are shown during the exhibit Each artwork is very well detailed Really worth giving a shot to see and explore the era of God and Goddess Ticket for Adults are 12€ For Students is 6€
Karine SOYSOUVANH - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating We loved the old sculptures and the story of the Griek and Romans. Take the audio guide as it will give you great insights. Sadly the Pergamon Museum was closed and as it will not be opening the next 14 years!!!!! This was the part we could visit. Enjoy the pictures!
Royal Mangalitsa - 5 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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