Nestled along the banks of the Spree River in central Berlin, the Neues Museum is a must-see attraction for those touring the city. From its fascinating exhibits to its interesting architecture, the Neues Museum is a stunningly beautiful example of Germany’s culture, history and art. This travel guide will go into more detail on what to expect when visiting, its impressive collection, as well as all the exciting new developments for 2021. You will also learn about the interesting facts, the fascinating history and other fun tidbits to help you prepare for your visit. So, grab your ticket and join us as we explore the Neues Museum in Berlin.
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1. The design for the New Museum was selected from over 140 submissions in a contest held by the Prussian Building Commission.
2. Architect Friedrich August Stüler was chosen to construct the New Museum, but he died in 1865 before the work could be completed.
3. The New Museum is located on the famous Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Besides the world-famous Prussian Antiquities Collection, the New Museum also houses the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection.
5. The New Museum is among the few museums in the world to shut down during the Nazi reign and almost all of its contents were pillaged.
6. The Museum was subjected to several attacks during the Second World War. A British bomb destroyed the library in 1943 while an American bombardment inflicted severe damage to the museum’s façade in 1945.
7. After lying in ruins for over 60 years, the New Museum was painstakingly restored between1997 and 2006 by a team of preservationists and architects.
8. The renovated New Museum re-opened in 2001 and it was a triumphant event for the people of Berlin.
9. Since its opening, the museum has been hugely popular with international tourists and locals alike who find its stunning façade and exquisite collection of antiquities simply breathtaking.
The Neues Museum (New Museum) in Berlin is an art and archeology museum located on Museum Island in the center of the capital. It first opened in 1855, making it one of the oldest museums in Germany.
The Neues Museum is among the most important museums in the world for its ancient Egyptian collection, its Greek sculptures, and its Italian Roman statues, among many other pieces. It has also housed major temporary exhibitions on art and history.
The original building, with its neoclassical facade, dates back to 1859 and was designed by Friedrich August Stüler, the Prussian chief architect. The structure was significantly damaged during World War II, and a massive renovation project began in 2003.
The museum was completely renovated and reconstructed thanks to the support of private foundations, the German government, and the state of Berlin. The new museum building combines both modern design elements and a respectful recreation of the original Neo-Classicism design.
Upon reopening, the Neues Museum became an instant attraction and has since welcomed millions of visitors. It contains over 100,000 artifacts, mainly from the archaeological, art, and cultural-historical fields. Highlights of the collection include the bust of Nefertiti, a 5,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, and the Berlin Gold Hat, a Bronze Age artifact.
The Neues Museum also contains a rich selection of Greek and Roman statuary and paintings, including important works by contemporary artists. It encompasses the entire history of art from the ancient Middle East to the 20th century, from formal antiquity to modern times. Additionally, the Neues Museum also organizes some of the world’s most important exhibitions on the history of art and culture.
1. Plan your visit – The Neues Museum is one of the most sought after attractions in Berlin. Plan a visit to the museum so that you can maximize the time spent there. Set aside at least 3-4 hours to tour the Neues Museum and if possible, two days to explore fully. Ensure that you book tickets in advance as the museum tends to be crowded. The museum is open every day except for Mondays.
2. Get to the museum – The Neues Museum is located in the Mitte district of Berlin. There are several public transportation options to get to the museum. The nearest bus routes are 100, 200, 231 and M29, while the closest train stations are Zoologischer Garten and Spandau. You can also take a taxi if you prefer.
3. Explore the museum – Once you arrive at the museum, you can start exploring its vast collection. The Neues Museum has several galleries featuring ancient sculptures, weapons, coins, archaeological artefacts, and the famous bust of Nefertiti. Pay special attention to the Egyptian collection, which highlights the fascinating history of Ancient Egypt.
4. Enjoy a meal – The Neues Musuem has a restaurant that offers traditional German cuisine. The menu includes dishes like schnitzel, bratkartoffeln, and salads. It is a great opportunity to sample some German delights while taking a break from touring the museum.
5. Other amenities – Other than restaurant, the museum also offers public tours and audio guides. There are souvenir shops and a bookstore selling merchandise related to the Neues Museum. The museum also has an extensive library and research centre for study and research purposes.
Q: What are the opening hours of the Neues Museum – Berlin?
A: The Neues Museum – Berlin is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with extended opening hours on Thursdays till 8 pm.
Q: How much does it cost to visit the Neues Museum in Berlin?
A: The ticket price for adults is currently €14, discounted tickets are available for children, students, senior citizens and visitors with a Berlin passport.
Q: Is the Neues Museum – Berlin accessible for wheelchairs?
A: The Neues Museum is generally accessible to wheelchairs, however there are some stairs leading to certain areas. The museum staff is willing to provide assistance.
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