Bode Museum Berlin: Visitor Guide to Sculpture & Byzantine Art on Museum Island

The Bode Museum (Bode-Museum) is a neo-baroque jewel sitting at the northern tip of Museum Island, instantly recognizable by its majestic brown dome rising above the River Spree. Designed by Ernst von Ihne and named after its first director, Wilhelm von Bode, it was built to look like a ship plowing through the water. It houses a world-class collection of sculptures, Byzantine art, and coins, offering a quieter, more contemplative experience compared to the bustling Pergamon Museum nearby.

What to expect at Bode Museum

The Bode Museum is unique because it displays sculptures and paintings together, just as they would have been seen in private Renaissance collections.

• Architecture: The building itself is a masterpiece. You enter through a stunning Great Dome Hall featuring an equestrian statue of the Great Elector. The “Basilica” style hall and the grand staircases are sights in themselves.
• Sculpture Collection: This is one of the largest collections of ancient sculpture in the world, ranging from the early Middle Ages to the late 18th century.
  The Pazzi Madonna by Donatello (marble relief).
  The Dancer by Antonio Canova (neoclassical masterpiece).
• Museum of Byzantine Art: Located on the lower level, this collection features art from the 3rd to the 15th century, including antique sarcophagi, ivory carvings from Rome, and mosaic icons from Constantinople.
• Numismatic Collection (Münzkabinett): One of the most significant coin collections globally, holding over 500,000 items. It traces the history of human currency from the 7th century BC to the advent of the Euro.

Where to buy tickets

• Online (Recommended): The official Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (SMB) website is the most reliable place to book. It allows you to choose a time slot, which is essential during peak travel seasons.
• On-Site: Tickets can be purchased at the museum’s ticket counter. While lines are generally shorter here than at the Pergamon, it is still safer to book in advance.
• Berlin WelcomeCard: If you hold a “Berlin WelcomeCard Museum Island,” entry is included, but you may still need to reserve a free time slot online.
• Museum Pass Berlin: Holders of the 3-day Museum Pass get free access to the permanent exhibitions.

Bode Museum’s tickets

• Regular Admission: €14.00
• Reduced Admission: €7.00 (Students, disabled persons, unemployed persons with valid ID).
• Children & Teens (Under 18): Free. (Note: You must still book a “0.00 EUR” ticket for them online or pick one up at the counter).
• Museum Island Day Ticket: Approx. €24.00 (Allows access to all open museums on Museum Island for one day).

How to reach Bode Museum

The museum is located at Am Kupfergraben, 10117 Berlin, at the very northern tip of the island. Access is via the Monbijou Bridge (Monbijoubrücke).

• By S-Bahn (Train):
  Take lines S1, S2, S25, or S26 to Friedrichstraße or Oranienburger Straße.
  Take lines S5, S7, or S75 to Hackescher Markt.
  Walk: It is roughly a 6-10 minute walk from any of these stations.
• By U-Bahn (Subway):
  Take the U6 to Friedrichstraße.
  Take the U5 to Museumsinsel.
• By Tram:
  Lines M1 and 12 stop at Am Kupfergraben (just across the river from the museum).
  Line M5 stops at Monbijouplatz.

Bode Museum’s timings

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: Closed (Note: As of June 2025, the museum is expected to reopen on Tuesdays; check the website closer to your visit).
• Wednesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Holidays: Usually open on public holidays, but hours may vary on Dec 24th and 31st.

How long does Bode Museum take?

• Average Visit: 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows enough time to see the main sculpture halls, the Great Dome, and the Byzantine collection.
• Art Enthusiasts: If you plan to explore the Numismatic (coin) collection in depth and read the history of the medieval sculptures, plan for 3 hours.
• Quick Tour: You can walk through the stunning main halls and see the architectural highlights in about 60 minutes.

Best time to visit Bode Museum Berlin

• Time of Day: The museum is generally quieter than its neighbors. However, visiting Wednesday or Thursday morning at 10:00 AM guarantees a peaceful experience.
• Photography: If you want photos of the Great Dome Hall without people, be there right at opening time. The natural light in the dome is best around midday.
• Crowd Avoidance: Avoid Saturday afternoons. Sunday mornings are surprisingly calm.

Floor plan of Bode Museum

The museum is roughly triangular, shaped to fit the island’s tip.

• Ground Floor (Level 0):
  Entrance: The Great Dome Hall (Basilica).
  Collections: Italian Renaissance sculptures (Donatello), Terracotta works, and the Museum of Byzantine Art (Roman and Byzantine empires).
• Upper Floor (Level 1):
  Collections: German and Dutch sculptures (Riemenschneider), late Gothic art, and the Numismatic Collection (Coin Cabinet) usually located in a dedicated gallery sequence.
• Basement: Restrooms and lockers are located here.

FAQs about Bode Museum Berlin