Sitting grandly across from the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) and the Lustgarten park, the Altes Museum is instantly recognizable by its eighteen monumental Ionic columns. It was built to house the Prussian royal family’s art collection and make it accessible to the public. As part of the Museum Island complex, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the Pergamon Museum nearby focuses on monumental architecture, the Altes Museum is the place to go for exquisite statues, jewelry, vases, and portraits that define the classical world.
What to expect at Altes Museum
The museum is a treasure trove of ancient history, but the building itself is the first major exhibit.
- The Rotunda: As soon as you enter, you step into a magnificent rotunda modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. It features antique statues of gods and a soaring dome with a skylight that floods the room with natural light.
- Greek Collection (Main Floor): This section covers the world of Ancient Greece from the 10th to the 1st century BC. You will see evolution in art from geometric vases to lifelike marble sculptures.
- Highlight: The Praying Boy (Betender Knabe) – A famous bronze statue from around 300 BC, known for its delicate expression.
- Highlight: The Berlin Goddess – A remarkably well-preserved archaic statue holding a pomegranate, still showing traces of its original red pigment.
- Etruscan & Roman Collections (Upper Floor): The upper level holds the largest collection of Etruscan art outside of Italy, alongside Roman artifacts.
- Highlight: Portraits of Caesar and Cleopatra – Realistic marble busts that bring these legendary historical figures to life.
- Highlight: Hildesheim Silver Treasure – An exquisite collection of Roman silver tableware.
- The “Blue Chamber”: A distinct section known for its coin collection (Münzkabinett), showcasing ancient currency.
Where to buy tickets
- Online (Recommended): The most secure way to visit is by booking a time-slot ticket on the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (SMB) official website. This guarantees your entry without a long wait.
- On-Site: Tickets are sold at the museum counter. While lines here are generally shorter than at the Neues or Pergamon museums, summer weekends can still see delays.
- Museum Island Pass: If you plan to visit multiple museums (like the Alte Nationalgalerie or Neues Museum), buying the “Museum Island” day ticket is much cheaper than individual tickets.
Altes Museum tickets
- Regular Admission: €14.00
- Reduced Admission: €7.00 (Students, disabled persons, etc. with valid ID).
- Children & Teens (Under 18): Free. (They still need a “0.00 EUR” ticket, which you should book online or pick up at the counter).
- Museum Pass Berlin: Holders of the 3-day Museum Pass get free entry.
- Berlin WelcomeCard: Offers a discount of approximately 25% on the regular ticket price.
How to reach Altes Museum
The museum is located at Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, right in the center of the city.
- By U-Bahn (Subway):
- Take the U5 line to Museumsinsel. The station exits directly onto the island; the museum is a 2-minute walk away.
- By S-Bahn (Train):
- Take lines S3, S5, S7, or S9 to Hackescher Markt. From there, it is a roughly 10-minute scenic walk across the bridge.
- By Bus:
- Take the famous Bus 100, 200, or 300 to the stop Lustgarten. This drops you off literally in front of the museum steps.
- By Tram:
- Lines M1 and 12 stop at Am Kupfergraben. It is a 5-minute walk from there.
Altes Museum’s timings
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Holidays: The museum is generally open on public holidays (even if they fall on a Monday), but always check the website for Christmas (Dec 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) closures.
How long does Altes Museum take?
- Average Visit: 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows you to admire the Rotunda, see the “Praying Boy,” and do a comfortable loop of both the Greek and Roman floors.
- Highlights Tour: You can see the major masterpieces (Rotunda, Berlin Goddess, Caesar Bust) in about 45–60 minutes.
- Deep Dive: If you are reading the detailed descriptions of the Etruscan urns and Greek vases, allow 2.5 hours.
Best time to visit Altes Museum Berlin
- Weekday Mornings: Tuesday or Wednesday at 10:00 AM is the quietest time. You can often have the Rotunda largely to yourself for photos.
- Late Afternoons: Arriving around 4:00 PM allows for a peaceful visit as the school groups and morning tour buses have departed.
- Avoid: Saturday afternoons are the busiest.
Floor plan of Altes Museum
The museum layout is symmetrical and easy to navigate.
- Ground Floor (Hauptgeschoss):
- Center: The Rotunda (Statues of Gods).
- Wings: Dedicated to Ancient Greece.
- North Side: Heroic Age, Archaic Greece (Berlin Goddess).
- East/West Sides: Classical Greece sculptures and the “Praying Boy.”
- Upper Floor (Obergeschoss):
- Accessible via the grand staircases flanking the entrance.
- Etruscan Art: Located primarily in the outer galleries. Look for house-shaped urns and bronze mirrors.
- Roman Art: Portraits of Emperors (Caesar, Cleopatra), Roman luxury items, and the Silver Treasure.
FAQs about Altes Museum Berlin
1. Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. While the grand front stairs are iconic, there is a barrier-free entrance on the side of the building. Elevators connect all floors, and accessible restrooms are available.
2. Can I take photos?
Yes, photography for private use is permitted. However, flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are forbidden to protect the artworks.
3. Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, you must leave large bags, backpacks (larger than A4), and umbrellas in the cloakroom or lockers on the lower level. You will need a €1 or €2 coin as a deposit for the lockers.
4. Is there a café?
There is no full restaurant inside, but there is a small coffee shop inside the museum. For a full meal, you are better off walking to the Hackescher Markt area nearby.
5. Is the audio guide included?
Usually, a free audio guide (often accessible via your smartphone or a device provided on-site) is included with the ticket. It provides excellent context for the “Praying Boy” and the Rotunda.
