Neues Museum
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.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesNeues 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 out of 5
As an architecture student, visiting the Neues Museum in Berlin was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about Egyptian history while exploring one of the finest examples of adaptive reuse in architecture. The way this historic building has been restored and transformed into a museum is truly inspiring. It’s a treat not only for architects but also for historians and anyone interested in ancient civilizations. One of the best-preserved museums showcasing Egyptian artifacts and mummies.
Mohan RC - a month ago
Visited the Egyptian Museum at the Neues Museum in Berlin and was thoroughly impressed. The collection is mind-blowing: lifelike statues, beautifully preserved coffins, intricate papyri, and the famous bust of Nefertiti — it’s one of the most comprehensive displays of ancient Egyptian culture I’ve seen.
Walking through the halls, I felt a real connection to history. The exhibits are very well curated, with detailed captions in multiple languages and good lighting. The way they restored and presented the architecture inside the museum adds to the immersive feel.
One highlight was seeing the Berlin Green Head sculpture (a finely carved late-period Egyptian statue) in person — the craftsmanship and expression are striking.
Overall, this is absolutely one of the must-visit museums in Berlin — whether you are a history lover or simply curious, it gives you a vivid journey through thousands of years of Egyptian civilization.
Alfred Ng - 3 months ago
Based on museum island along with 4 other museums and the Berlin Cathedral. It's possible to purchase a museum island ticket valid for 1 day and this gets you into all the museums on the island.
This houses artifacts from Iron Age,Bronze Age ,Roman,Greek,and a large Egyptian collection over 4 floors.
Fabulous to be able to views items at close quarters.
Denise C - 3 weeks ago
The Neues Museum is an incredible place to explore, with a perfect mix of restored historic architecture and modern design. The highlights for me were the Egyptian collection and, of course, the famous bust of Nefertiti — breathtaking to see in person. The exhibits are well-curated and it’s easy to spend a few hours here. Definitely a must-visit on Museum Island!
Hasham Qazi - 3 months ago
Really good museum to visit but best to get online tickets before you go to avoid stress! We turned up at one of the entrances and were shouted at by a member of staff, and told to go right around the other side of the building to buy a ticket and put bags in a locker. We did, only to find that the jobsworth could have let us in at her door! Anyway once inside it was amazing, especially the Egyptian exhibition. Well worth a visit!
Jo Moss - 2 months ago
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.
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Photo Gallery
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Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
