Berlin's first public museum, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and opened in 1830, faces the Lustgarten with eighteen Ionic columns and a domed rotunda modelled on Rome's Pantheon. It houses the Antikensammlung's permanent exhibition on the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, with highlights such as the Berlin Goddess, the Praying Boy and portraits of Caesar and Cleopatra. A second 'blue chamber' shows more than 1,300 ancient coins from the Münzkabinett, and the upper floor holds one of the largest Etruscan collections outside Italy.
Visitor Information
- How much does Altes Museum cost?
- Standard adult admission to Altes Museum is €14. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of Altes Museum?
- Altes Museum is open Tue-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00, closed Mondays. Public holidays open as on Sundays; closed 24 and 31 December 2026; 1 January 2027 open 12:00-18:00.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Altes Museum?
- Altes Museum is located at Am Lustgarten, 10178 Berlin, in the Mitte (Museum Island) area of Berlin. The nearest stations are U Museumsinsel (U5), S Hackescher Markt, S+U Friedrichstraße.
- What can I see at Altes Museum?
- Schinkel's 1830 temple of art on Museum Island, with Greek, Etruscan and Roman treasures around a Pantheon-style rotunda. Current highlights include Ancient Worlds: Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, Founded on Antiquity: Berlin's First Museum.
- Do I need to book Altes Museum in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Altes Museum?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.