Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is located in central Berlin in the River Spree. The island derives its name from a collection of five world-class state museums located at the island’s northern end. The museums were built between 1824 and 1930. Each was designed to reflect the collections it housed. The buildings themselves are highly significant as they reflect the evolution of modern museum development.A logical way to explore the museums is to work from the oldest to the newest. Start with the Altes Museum, or Old Museum, a neoclassical sandstone structure built in the 1820s to house the private art collection of the Prussian royal family. Step between its 18 classical Greek-style columns and explore its vast collection of antiquities and art from ancient Greece and Rome. Next stop is the Neues Museum, which focuses on Ancient Egypt. Among the artifacts, furniture and sculptures here is the famous bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti from the 14th century B.C.The Alte Nationalgalerie, or Old National Gallery, houses an impressive collection of neoclassical, romantic and early modernist painting and sculpture, as well as the work of French impressionists such as Claude Monet. The Bode Museum is another neoclassical architectural marvel. Inside there’s Byzantine art, Renaissance sculpture and works by classic European artists such as Donatello. The final museum in the complex is the Pergamon Museum, completed in 1930. Germany's most famous museum was designed to house monumental pieces of ancient architecture and Islamic Art from the Middle East. Wander through the fabled Gates of Ishtar, the Market Gate of Miletus and climb the steps to the Pergamon Altar. The central and southern portions of the island contain many other architectural treasures, such as the Berliner Dom and Marstall. Museum Island is easily accessible by tram, bus, and U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains.
Museum Island Tours
Visit Museum Island
Plan a trip to see Museum Island
The Mandala Hotel Berlin
Reviewed on May 24, 2024
Reviews of Museum Island
5/5 - Excellent
If you like ancient history, you’ll ignore your aching feet (as I did) and gobble up the things in these museums. Nefertiti, the Gate of Ishtar, and others.
4/5 - Good
On this occasion the Neues Museum was open. The cashier refused to let me buy student ticket because it was "not a student card" For the rest of cashiers in Madrid, Barcelona, Cologne and In another museum on Museeninsel the sane document was sufficient though. And it is not relly pleasant when you try to speak German and get an English response. I visited neues museum which was closed during my previous trip. Experience is absolutely awesome. But -1 point because of cashier.
3/5 - Okay
I had hoped there would be a modern art museum option close-by.
5/5 - Excellent
Fantastic displays. Bring a lot of time!
4/5 - Good
The exhibits in the Pergamon are very impressive - when they are not closed for restoration!
5/5 - Excellent
Lines can be an issue
Popular places to visit
Neues Museum
You can study the exhibits at Neues Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Berlin. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Old National Gallery
Rich with history, Old National Gallery is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Berlin. Visit the notable monuments and shops in this vibrant area.
Altes Museum
Learn about life in ancient Europe and marvel at antiquities from the Greek and Roman eras in this grand neoclassical building on Berlin’s Museum Island.
Lustgarten
Once a royal garden, this elegant public park is now a perfect resting and picnic spot for city explorers.
Berlin Cathedral
With its soaring sandstone walls and stunning turquoise dome, this cathedral is a highpoint in the city’s skyline and spiritual life.
German Historical Museum
Learn about Germany’s compelling history through this vast collection, which takes an honest and unflinching look at this modern European nation.
Best Lodging Options Near Museum Island
Check availability on hotels close to Museum Island
- Vacations and getaways similar to Museum Island
- Other Hotels near Museum Island, Mitte
- Hotels near popular Berlin Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Museum Island
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Melia Berlin
- Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin CheckPoint Charlie
- Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt
- Select Hotel Berlin Gendarmenmarkt
- IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof
- Heart of Gold Hostel Berlin
- TITANIC Comfort Berlin Mitte
- Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza
- NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse
- Generator Berlin Mitte
- Telegraphenamt
- ARCOTEL John F Berlin
- Hotels near Old National Gallery
- Hotels near Neues Museum
- Hotels near Altes Museum
- Hotels near Museum of Pre- and Early History
- Hotels near Alexanderplatz
- Hotels near Zoo Berlin
- Hotels near Brandenburg Gate
- Hotels near Potsdamer Platz
- Hotels near Checkpoint Charlie
- Hotels near Kurfürstendamm
- Hotels near Olympiastadion
- Hotels near Mercedes-Benz Arena
- Hotels near Berlin TV Tower
- Hotels near Reichstag Building
- Hotels near Messe Berlin
- Hotels near Waldbühne
- Hotels near Gendarmenmarkt
- Hotels near Friedrichstrasse
- Hotels near DDR Museum
- Hotels near Berlin Wall Memorial