Are you considering going to Berlin, Germany and wanted to know which museums are worth a visit? If it’s not your hymns to the gods you seek, look no further than the Altes Museum, an awe inspiring neoclassical building which houses a lively collection of art and antiquities. The Altes Museum, and this blog post is dedicated to the Altes Museum history and all you need to know about visiting the Altes Museum, which will give you the complete information you need for an unforgettable event.
The Altes Museum and its History
The Altes Museum was founded between 1823 and 1830 on Museum Island in the middle of Berlin. Designed to make art and history accessible to the public, it was the first museum ever built in Berlin and the first monument in Berlin to be freed from public use for free. Since its construction, the Altes Museum has been expanded and renovated several times to accommodate the increasing holdings.
Already designed as a royal museum, the Altes Museum became a public institution in 1830 when it was incorporated into the famous Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (Berlin State Museums). Dominated by its architectural beauty and historical importance, its no wonder it is a must visit on the list of places art lovers and history buffs want to see.
The Altes Museum
The Altes Museum has a wonderful collection of ancient art, and tells the story of the civilizations that left their marks in the art. Here are some of the highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- The Collection of Classical Antiquities is
Gaze back in time with the Collection of Classical Antiquities, with sculptures, vases and jewellery from Greece and Rome. One of the best items to admire there is the bronze statue of the Warrior Youth, called the Praying Boy, and admire the exquisite workmanship of ancient Greek pottery.
- Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection
Wandering through the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection you’ll explore the world of ancient Egypt. Ten sarcophagi decorated with fine hieroglyphs might be something you can marvel over, partly because they relate to the pharaohs’ everyday lives but are also properly displayed, along with household items and art.
- The Coin Cabinet
If you have a thing for coins and currency, don’t skip visiting the Coin Cabinet at the Altes Museum. Those coins I’d found could have come from any time period and from any part of the world and all that laid between.
Visitor Information
Now that you’re convinced to visit the Altes Museum, here’s some essential information to help you plan your trip:
Location
Museum Island, Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany has a location for Altes Museum.
Opening Hours
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
Tickets and Admission
Tickets can be purchased at the museum or on-line. Students get discounted rates and so do seniors and our families. Pre booking tickets is advisable as it will allow you skip the queue.
Guided Tours
Joining a guided tour will help you get the most out of your museum visit. Guides will be knowledgeable into the museum’s collections and history. For schedules and availability to the tour, be sure to check the museum’s website.
Accessibility
Wheelchair users are able to access the Altes Museum and its facilities for a comfy visit are provided. Borrow free of charge at the museum entrance: wheelchairs.
Additional Tips
Plan your visit ahead of time for a visit to ensure ability to see the museum thoroughly, so don’t try to cram everything in at the last moment.
If you decide that you’d like to visit more than one museum in the area you can get a Museum Island day pass and save yourself some euros in the process.
To further improve your understanding and appreciation of the exhibits, there are audio guides in several languages.
Conclusion
A treasure trove for art and history the Altes Museum is a journey through time. With its impressive architecture and its outstanding collection the museum will leave you in awe. It may not seem like an essential Berlin attraction if you are not an art enthusiast or a history buff, but if you have an interest in the past at all, then the Altes Museum needs to be visited. For this reason plan your trip, familiarize with the rich cultural heritage and leave incredible memories at this remarkable institution.