Altes Museum, Berlin Travel Guide

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Explore ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art and artifacts in Berlin's magnificent neoclassical Altes Museum on Museum Island.

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Altes Museum

The Altes Museum, or Old Museum, is a stunning neoclassical building on Berlin's Museum Island, housing an impressive collection of classical antiquities from ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and completed in 1830, it was intended to make art accessible to the public and remains a highlight for visitors exploring Berlin's cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Altes Museum

Bodestraße 1-3, Berlin, Mitte, 10178, DE
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Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Altes Museum.

Visit early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Consider purchasing the Berlin WelcomeCard Museum Island for free access to all museums on Museum Island for three consecutive days.
Take the U5 U-Bahn line directly to the Museumsinsel station for convenient access.
Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions, guided tours, and educational programs.
Don't miss the Münzkabinett gallery for a fascinating look at ancient coins and medals.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Alexanderplatz

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Explore Altes Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Altes Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Altes Museum is easily accessible via Berlin's efficient public transport system. From Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take the U5 U-Bahn line directly to the Museumsinsel station. The ride takes approximately 13 minutes and costs €2 - €4. Alternatively, from Alexanderplatz, take the U5 line or the 100 or 200 bus to the Museumsinsel stop. Bus tickets cost between €1 and €3. The Altes Museum is a short walk from the station.
Walking

The Altes Museum is located on Museum Island in central Berlin, making it easily accessible by foot from many nearby landmarks. From the Brandenburg Gate, walk east along Unter den Linden for approximately 20 minutes. You'll pass the Berlin Cathedral and cross the Schlossbrücke bridge to reach Museum Island. The Altes Museum will be on your left. This is a scenic and enjoyable way to approach the museum and experience the city's atmosphere.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a convenient way to reach the Altes Museum. A taxi ride from Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) to the Altes Museum typically takes 6 minutes and costs between €13 and €16. From Alexanderplatz, the ride is shorter and should cost around €7-€9. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or check the ride-sharing app for an estimate. Taxi base fare is 4 EUR, plus 2.2 EUR per kilometer.

Discover more about Altes Museum

The Altes Museum, a cornerstone of Berlin's Museum Island, offers a captivating journey through classical antiquity. Designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the museum's architecture is itself a masterpiece of German Neoclassical style, completed in 1830. Originally intended to house all of Berlin's fine art collections, it now focuses on Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.Inside, visitors can admire sculptures, vases, jewelry, and other artifacts that showcase the artistic achievements of these ancient civilizations. Highlights include the Berlin Goddess, the Praying Boy sculpture, and Roman portraits of Caesar and Cleopatra. The museum's collection also extends to coins and medals dating back to the 7th century B.C.The Altes Museum has undergone several transformations throughout its history. Severely damaged during World War II, it was restored in 1966. Today, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Museum Island, it stands as a testament to Berlin's commitment to preserving and sharing its cultural heritage.