Neues Museum

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One of the five museums on Museum Island the Neues Museum sits immediately north of the Altes Museum which it was built to help relieve the overcrowding of. It opened in 1859.

Construction followed the Neo-classical style common to the other museums on the island. It commenced in 1841 and continued through 1855 under the planning and direction of Friedrich August Stuhler. The first two years were spent preparing the ground for the foundation which consisted of 2344 wooden piles driven deep into the soft earth on the island. It was the first major building project in Berlin to make use of a steam engine during construction, a significant step in the early days of industrialization.

The museum was shut down at the beginning of World War II and was subjected to heavy damage during the bombing of Berlin. The ruins were left unattended under the Soviet occupation of East Berlin during the post-war period.

There was no talk of restoring it until 1985. Some reconstruction work began in 1986 under the East German government but was halted upon the reunification of Germany. Further plans were initiated under the new government starting in 1997 and famous British architect David Chipperfield was put in charge of the project. Extensive reconstruction began again in 2003 and the new Museum finally reopened to the public again in 2009. Some construction work continued through to 2015.

Once inside the Neues Museum, Visitors are presented with over 9000 historical artifacts displayed over three floors. Exhibits include the Papyrus Collection, archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Pre and Early history, and works from the Collection of Classical Antiquities.

The renowned bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is popular with visitors.

The oldest artifact is an axe head from the Stone Age, estimated to be about 700,000 years old.

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Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Neues 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: Neues Museum

Neues Museum Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Great museum. Has lots of fascinating Egyptian history with one of the best European collections including the famous Nefertiti bust. At parts there was a lack of narrative but the objects made up for this. I actually most enjoyed some of the non-Egyptian objects on the upper floors such as on the Neanderthals and ancient German history. A large museum which would definitely recommend a visit to.
Henry Gayfer (Harry) - 2 weeks ago

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3 Star Rating Great selection of art but the lack of explanation is shocking. You barely get any explanation, there isn’t much opportunities to emerge yourself into the different eras presented. The pieces are a bit crammed together and the fact that the light reflects on the displays’ windows makes it difficult to see the art displayed. Also good luck to read explanations, they selected the smallest font available.
Theodora A - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating Beautiful museum. Very grand and wide. There’s a lot to view over three floors. I particularly loved the skeleton of the reindeer and the Nefertiti “head”. The sarcophaguses at the bottom floor were also very interesting. I would definitely advise to visit. It can be very busy, inside and outside with a queue. The staff was generally very polite. There’s a small museum shop to purchase a remembrance.
N H - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating The Neues Museum, also on Berlin's Museum Island, was originally built between 1823 and 1830 and redesigned by Friedrich August Stüler. After severe damage in World War II, it underwent a major renovation led by David Chipperfield and reopened in 2009. The museum houses collections of Egyptian art, including the famous bust of Nefertiti, as well as artifacts from the prehistoric and early historic periods, and the Papyrus Collection. Its blend of restored historical elements and modern design makes it a fascinating destination for history and art enthusiasts.
The Romanian Guy - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating I've wanted to see the original bust of Nefertiti for over 50 years - previously, I'd only seen a replica at the Rosicrucian Museum in the California Bay Area. She did not disappoint. What an incredibly beautiful woman that lived thousands of years ago. The rest of the museum was equally impressive - it makes you think, seeing all these things made by people long gone. Definitely worth a visit.
Heather Steinmiller - a month ago

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Directions

How to get to Neues 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 the Neues Museum is on your left.