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Neue Nationalgalerie: A Temple of Modern Art

Explore iconic modern art at Berlin's Neue Nationalgalerie, a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture by Mies van der Rohe.

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The Neue Nationalgalerie, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is a landmark museum in Berlin showcasing 20th-century art. Its iconic glass and steel structure houses a collection of modern masterpieces, including works from German Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. After extensive renovations, it reopened in 2021, reaffirming its status as a cultural highlight in the city.

A brief summary to New National Galery

  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-8 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on Thursday evenings from 4 PM to 8 PM for free admission as part of the Volkswagen Group Art4All initiative.
  • Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
  • Take the U2 underground line or S-Bahn to Potsdamer Platz for easy access to the museum.
  • Explore the sculpture garden outside the museum for additional art and green space.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current and upcoming special exhibitions.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Potsdamer Platz U-Bahn or S-Bahn station, walk west along Potsdamer Straße. After the street curves south near the Berliner Philharmonie, turn right onto Scharounstraße. The Neue Nationalgalerie will be directly ahead within the Kulturforum complex. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. A single ride ticket for the U-Bahn or S-Bahn is approximately €3.50.

  • Walking

    From the Brandenburg Gate, walk south along Ebertstraße, then turn right onto Potsdamer Straße. Continue along Potsdamer Straße until you reach the Kulturforum. The Neue Nationalgalerie will be on your right. The walk is approximately 20-25 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), a taxi or ride-share to the Neue Nationalgalerie takes about 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The typical cost is between €12 and €16. Several taxi companies operate in Berlin, including Radio Cab Berlin and Funk Taxi Berlin.

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Discover more about New National Galery

The Neue Nationalgalerie, or New National Gallery, is a museum of modern art in Berlin, Germany, and a key part of the Kulturforum. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, it was his only building in Europe after emigrating to the USA. The museum opened in 1968, becoming an icon of 20th-century architecture. The building itself is a masterpiece of modernist design, characterized by its open hall and seemingly floating flat roof. The structure features a glass enclosure supported by eight slender pillars, creating a light-filled space for art. The upper level serves as the main exhibition space, while the lower level houses the permanent collection. The design emphasizes open space, intending to break down barriers between art and the community. The Neue Nationalgalerie's collection includes significant paintings and sculptures from the early 20th century to the 1980s. German Expressionism is a focal point, with works by artists like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Otto Dix, and Max Beckmann. Visitors can also explore Surrealism with Dalí, Miró, and Picasso, and gain insights into the Bauhaus movement through Klee and Kandinsky. The museum also features abstract works by American painters like Barnett Newman and Ellsworth Kelly. After closing in 2015, the Neue Nationalgalerie underwent extensive restoration led by David Chipperfield Architects. The renovation aimed to preserve Mies van der Rohe's original design while upgrading the building to modern standards. The museum reopened in 2021 with new exhibitions and a renewed commitment to showcasing 20th-century art.

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