The Pergamon Museum is the crown jewel of Berlin’s Museum Island, but it is currently undergoing a massive renovation. The main historic building is completely closed to visitors until at least 2027.
However, you can still experience the masterpieces of the ancient city of Pergamon at the temporary exhibition building: “Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama.” This guide focuses on this current experience, while noting what is unavailable.
Crucial Update: Main Building Closed
The original Pergamon Museum building (containing the Ishtar Gate, Market Gate of Miletus, and the original Altar construction) is closed for renovations.
- Partial Reopening: Expected in 2027 (Pergamon Altar hall).
- Full Reopening: Expected in 2037.
- Current Alternative: You must visit “Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama” to see the art and a 360° visual reconstruction of the altar.
What to see at the Pergamon Museum (The Panorama)
Since the main building is closed, the “Panorama” exhibition by artist Yadegar Asisi is the primary attraction. It offers an immersive alternative.
- The 360° Panorama: A massive, cylindrical painting (30 meters high) that wraps around you. It depicts the ancient city of Pergamon in 129 AD, complete with a day-night lighting cycle and sound effects (bustling markets, chirping crickets).
- Original Masterpieces: To compensate for the closure, about 80 original sculptures and artifacts from the Pergamon collection are on display here, including the famous Telephos Frieze.
- Digital Pergamon Altar: Since the actual stone altar is under wraps, the Panorama features a 3D digital visualization of how the altar looked in its original setting.
- Golden Women: Stunning ancient statues of women with traces of their original gold leaf and paint.
Pergamon Museum tickets
- Standard Admission: Approximately €14.00.
- Reduced Admission: Approximately €7.00 (Students, disabled persons).
- Children (Under 18): Free. (You must still book a “0.00 EUR” ticket online).
- Online Booking: It is highly recommended to book a Time Slot ticket via the official Staatliche Museen zu Berlin website to avoid long waits.
Guided tour of Pergamon Museum
- Live Guides: You can book private guided tours for the Panorama exhibition, which are great for understanding the complex history of the Roman Empire and the discovery of the altar.
- Public Tours: The museum occasionally runs public tours (check the daily schedule at the counter), but they are less frequent than in the main museum.
- Curator Tours: Special tours are sometimes offered on weekends; check the website “What’s On” section.
Berlin Museum Island Pass
Because the Panorama is part of the National Museums, it is included in the major city passes.
- Museum Island Day Ticket (€24): Includes entry to the Panorama, Alte Nationalgalerie, Neues Museum, Altes Museum, and Bode Museum for one day.
- Museum Pass Berlin (3-Day): The Panorama is included in this pass.
- Berlin WelcomeCard:
Standard Card: Gives a 25% discount.
All Inclusive Card: Gives Free Entry.
How to reach the Pergamon Museum
The Panorama is located directly opposite the Bode Museum, just across the street from the main Museum Island complex.
- Address: Am Kupfergraben 2, 10117 Berlin.
- By Tram: The M1 and 12 trams stop at Am Kupfergraben, practically right in front of the entrance.
- By U-Bahn: Take the U5 to Museumsinsel or the U6 to Friedrichstraße. Both are a 5-10 minute walk.
- By S-Bahn: Hackescher Markt and Friedrichstraße are the closest stations.
Opening hours of Pergamon Museum
- Monday: Closed.
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Holidays: Generally open on public holidays (even if on a Monday), but check the website for Christmas (Dec 24) and New Year’s (Dec 31) schedules.
How long does the Pergamon Museum take
- Average Visit: 45 to 90 minutes.
- Panorama: Most people spend about 20–30 minutes just watching the “Day/Night” cycle inside the 360° rotunda.
- Exhibition: The accompanying statues and information panels take another 30–45 minutes.
Best time to visit Pergamon Museum
- Right at Opening: 10:00 AM on a weekday (Tue-Thu) is the quietest time.
- Lunchtime: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM often sees a dip in crowds as tour groups go for lunch.
- Avoid: Weekends between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM are the busiest.
Where is the Pergamon Museum
The “Panorama” building is not on the island itself but just across the canal from it. It is located at Am Kupfergraben 2, directly across the water from the Bode Museum. If you stand facing the old (closed) entrance of the Pergamon Museum, simply walk across the bridge over the canal and turn right.
Pergamon Museum entrance
- The Panorama Entrance: The entrance is barrier-free and clearly marked with “PERGAMON. DAS PANORAMA” banners.
- Main Building Entrance: The famous entrance on the Museum Island bridge is closed and boarded up. Do not go there.
Pergamon Museum for free
- Under 18s: Entrance is always free for anyone under 18 years old.
- Museum Sunday: On the first Sunday of every month, entry is free for everyone. Warning: These tickets are released online a few weeks in advance and sell out in minutes.
Pergamon Museum discounts
- Students: roughly 50% off with valid ID.
- Berlin WelcomeCard: 25% off the regular ticket price.
- Severe Disability: Reduced price entry; one accompanying caretaker enters for free (if noted on ID).
Pergamon Museum audio guide
- Included: The audio guide is generally included in the ticket price.
- Format: It is often provided via a QR code or web app, so bring your own smartphone and headphones. Traditional devices may also be available.
- Content: It features a commentary by the artist Yadegar Asisi and historical background on the Roman city.
Pergamon Museum tour
- Self-Guided: This is the standard way to visit. The layout is linear: you walk through the sculpture gallery first, enter the Panorama rotunda, and finish with the digital altar reconstruction.
- Virtual Tours: Since the Ishtar Gate is closed, the museum offers high-quality virtual tours of the closed sections on the Google Arts & Culture platform.
Pergamon Museum Panorama
This is the specific name of the current open exhibition.
- Artist: Created by Yadegar Asisi.
- Concept: It visualizes the festival of Dionysus in the ancient metropolis of Pergamon.
- Visuals: You stand on a central tower and look out at the city; the “sun” rises and sets, street noises play, and you can spot tiny details like citizens arguing, working, or praying.
Pergamon Museum Cafe
- In the Panorama: There is a small café inside the “Panorama” building offering coffee, cakes, and light snacks.
- Nearby: For a full meal, cross the bridge back to the Hackescher Markt area (5 mins walk) where there are dozens of restaurants. The “Café im Bode-Museum” nearby also offers a great view if you have a ticket for that museum.
