Gemäldegalerie Berlin: Visitor Guide to Old Master Paintings

The Gemäldegalerie (Picture Gallery) in Berlin holds one of the world’s most important collections of European painting from the 13th to the 18th century. Unlike the museums on Museum Island which focus on sculpture and antiquity, this museum at the Kulturforum is dedicated entirely to “Old Master” paintings.

What to expect at Gemäldegalerie

• The Collection: You will see over 1,000 masterpieces displayed in 72 rooms, covering a 2-kilometer walking route. The collection focuses heavily on German, Italian, and Netherlandish painting.
• The “Wandelhalle”: The architecture is unique; all exhibition rooms are arranged in a horseshoe shape around a massive, tranquil central hall called the “Wandelhalle.” It serves as a space for meditation and rest between viewing dense art.
• Italian Masters: The museum owns one of the most significant collections of Italian art outside Italy, featuring works by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio (look for his famous Amor Victorious).
• Dutch & Flemish Masters: This is a major highlight, with a dedicated octagonal room for Rembrandt (displaying 16 of his works). You will also find masterpieces by Vermeer (The Glass of Wine), Rubens, and Van Eyck.
• German Masters: The collection includes detailed works by Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, and Hans Holbein.
• Atmosphere: Compared to the Pergamon or Neues Museum, the Gemäldegalerie is surprisingly quiet and uncrowded. It offers a very intimate viewing experience where you can often stand alone in front of world-famous art.

Where to buy tickets

• Online (Recommended): The most convenient way is to book via the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (SMB) official website. This secures your entry and helps you avoid lines at the cashier, although lines here are generally shorter than at Museum Island.
• On-Site: You can buy tickets at the ticket counter in the main foyer of the Kulturforum. Card payment is preferred.
• Museum Pass Berlin: If you have the 3-day Museum Pass Berlin, entry to the permanent collection is included.

Gemäldegalerie’s tickets

• Regular Admission: Approximately €14.00.
• Reduced Admission: Approximately €7.00. This applies to students, military service volunteers, and people with severe disabilities (valid ID required).
• Children & Teens (Under 18): Free. You must still book a “0.00 EUR” ticket for them.
• Berlin WelcomeCard: Holders typically receive a 25% discount on the regular ticket price.
• Kulturforum Ticket: You can sometimes buy a combined ticket for the whole Kulturforum area (including the Decorative Arts Museum nearby) for around €20.00.

How to reach Gemäldegalerie

The museum is located at the Kulturforum, Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin, just west of Potsdamer Platz.

• By U-Bahn (Subway): Take the U2 line to Potsdamer Platz. From there, it is about a 10-minute walk past the Sony Center and the Philharmonie.
• By S-Bahn (Train): Take lines S1, S2, or S25 to Potsdamer Platz. The walk is roughly 600 meters.
• By Bus: The Bus 200 stops at Philharmonie, which is practically next door. The M48 and M85 stop at Kulturforum.
• Landmark: Look for the yellow sloping building of the Philharmonie; the Gemäldegalerie is located just behind/next to it.

Gemäldegalerie’s timings

• Monday: Closed.
• Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• Holidays: 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 (Dec 31) schedules.

How long does Gemäldegalerie take?

• Average Visit: 2 to 3 hours. This allows you to walk the full circuit and spend time in the Rembrandt and Italian sections.
• Art Lovers: If you are using the audio guide for detailed commentary on the major schools of painting, plan for 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Quick Highlights: You can see the “Top 10” (Vermeer, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Dürer) in about 90 minutes if you stick to the main path.

Best time to visit Gemäldegalerie Berlin

• Weekday Mornings: Tuesday or Wednesday at 10:00 AM is the best time. The museum is vast, and on a weekday morning, you might have entire rooms to yourself.
• Late Afternoons: Arriving after 3:30 PM is also a good strategy for a peaceful visit.
• Crowds: Unlike the Pergamon, this museum rarely feels “too full,” even on weekends.

Layout of Gemäldegalerie

• The Concept: The museum is designed for a logical flow. The rooms wrap around the central “Wandelhalle” (foyer).
• Clockwise Tour: If you turn left after entering, you start with German and Netherlandish painting (Middle Ages to Renaissance).
• Counter-Clockwise Tour: If you turn right, you enter the world of Italian painting (Giotto, Botticelli, etc.).
• The Loop: The two sides meet at the back of the museum in the 17th/18th-century sections (Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer), allowing for a continuous loop without dead ends.

FAQs about Gemäldegalerie Berlin