Last updated September 2022
Have you heard a lot about Berlin’s wonderful Museum Island but don’t really understand what it is? Are you wondering if you should visit and how expensive that would be?
Well, wonder no more! I’m going to answer all your questions! I hope! If you have more questions then please let me know in the comments.
What is it?
Exactly as the name suggests, it is an island full of museums. As each museum was specially built for its purpose, the island has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It is surrounded by the River Spree and is connected to the mainland by bridges. There are 5 museums on the island and 1 information centre. The Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) is also here – in other words, the beautiful cathedral with the green dome that will be on every list of things to do in Berlin.
Where is it?
Centrally located, it is at the end of Unter den Linden (one of the most important streets in Berlin). The island is surrounded by the River Spree.
How can I get there?
As the island is very centrally located, there are many ways to get here.
You could walk from the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) all the way down Unter den Linden – if you have the energy then this is the best bet as you can appreciate the beautiful architecture and many famous buildings on this important street.
Or you can walk very easily from Alexanderplatz (5 minutes walk) or Hackesher Markt station (2 minutes walk).
Alternatively, you could get off at Friedrichstraße station and walk. This would take around 10 minutes. This is probably the way I went most often. You will arrive near Bode Museum.
Why should I go?
Ok, I know I don’t need to answer this, you are going to visit here no matter what, even if it is just for the cathedral but I will answer in order to be consistent! It is worth visiting because it is home to a number of excellent museums – see full list below. And even if you don’t enter any of the museums, it is well-worth walking around so that you can admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings. And it’s always nice to be able to say you’ve seen a world heritage site!
Who can go?
Everyone! It is free to go onto the island and to cross the bridges. You just need to pay for the museums and the cathedral.
When was it built?
The museums on the island were finished in 1930.
So enough with the question words, now onto the details!
The contents of the island:
- Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) – a large cathedral with an impressive dome and crypt.
- Altes Museum (Old Museum) – a collection of Classical sculpture. Meaning, statues of many Greek and Roman gods and famous figures
- Alte National Gallerie (Old Art Gallery) – German and European artists in addition to temporary exhibitions
- Neues Museum (New Museum) – artefacts from Egypt and more
- Pergamonmuseum (Pergamon Museum) – collection of sculpture from the Classical and Bablylonian worlds, and more
- James-Simon-Galerie (James Simon Centre) – information centre, tourist shop, café and more
- Bode Museum – collection of artefacts, art and sculpture
Berliner Dom
This is a truly beautiful building and it without doubt one of the most important and well-known in all of Berlin. Expect to see it plastered on postcards, magnets and all the other typical touristic paraphernalia.
It’s as impressive inside as it is outside. If you choose to enter, you can also visit the crypt and can climb all the way up to the dome, if you dare. The views from here are really amazing.
You do need to buy tickets to enter. You can buy them on the cathedral’s own website:
https://www.berlinerdom.de/tickets
General website:
https://www.berlinerdom.de/en/
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NOTE: If you’re interested in events and festivals like I am then you might like to know that the Festival of Lights (as per my photo of the cathedral) takes place in early October. The most famous buildings in the city are lit up with incredibly impressive projections. It’s completely free to walk around and admire these light displays. I would recommend! You can read more about it on Berlin’s tourism website:
https://www.berlin.de/en/events/2097286-2842498-festival-of-lights.en.html
Altes Museum
This houses a very impressive collection of Classical sculpture. As a student of ancient of Greece and Rome, I had a lot of fun admiring the large collection.
The museum is beside a nice green area, called Lustgarten, which is also beside the cathedral.
Alte National Galerie
As you can see, the building itself is very beautiful. I was impressed with the collection too and learnt about some German artists, especially Adolph Menzel. I have to admit that I didn’t know anything about German art before coming so it was very good to learn something new. There are works from artists outside of Germany too.
There is a very nice little green area and colonnade beside the gallery – it is a lovely place to relax. Sometimes you’ll be lucky enough to hear someone playing music here. And one time I saw a couple take their wedding photos here, it really would be a lovely setting!
Neues Museum
This museum also houses a large collection of ancient artefacts and sculpture. It’s possibly best known for its Nefertiti – a very famous bust of the Egyptian queen.
Pergamon Museum
The Pergamon museum is probably the most visited museum on the island. It houses a very impressive collection of sculpture and artifacts from different parts of the world. It is probably best known for its Pergamon Altar.
James Simon Centre
This is quite new and is connected to both the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. You can buy tickets here for any of the museums on the island and it has a very extensive gift-shop. It is also home to an exhibition about the island and the museums.
Bode Museum
This building is really beautiful. It is also the most northern building on the island, on the complete other side of the island from the cathedral.
It also houses a mix of art, sculpture, objects.
And just to mention, there is also another building on the island. It’s temporary though so I don’t want to list it on my main list. It’s called Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama. I have to admit that I didn’t go into this one myself so I can’t tell you much about it. But I can tell you that it’s all about the ancient city of Pergamon and that it will continue until 2024.
You really should go to at least 1 of the museums during your trip to Berlin, it is almost expected! They are quite expensive but they are worth it. If you are planning on going to more than one museum on the island then buying a card for the island is your best bet. Or if, like me, you will be living in Berlin for even a few months then buy the museum year card, it is well-worth it. It will cover all the museums in Berlin, not just on the island. You can buy this in any of the museums.
Even if you don’t go to many / any of the museums, do walk all around the island so that you can appreciate the architecture all the more. In the summer, there are bars beside the river that have sun-loungers so you can drink a beer and look over the Spree at the island. I would absolutely recommend doing this! These bars are very near Hackesher Markt station.
You’re definitely going to want to know more about the opening times and prices for each of the museums. I will direct you to the island’s website as it has everything you could want to know. But to note, all the museums are closed on Monday. They open at 10 am the rest of the days of the week.
Website:
https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/museumsinsel-berlin/home/
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Enjoy exploring the beautiful island and all the architecture, history and culture it offers! Let me know what your favourite museum on the island is in the comments.
