Pergamon Museum: A Treasure Trove of Antiquity

The Pergamon Museum is one of Berlin's most visited museums, drawing over a million visitors annually with its vast collection of antiquities, Islamic art, and Middle Eastern artifacts. Built between 1910 and 1930, the museum is named after the famous Pergamon Altar, a massive Greek temple facade dating back to the 2nd century BC. The museum is divided into three main collections: the Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities), the Vorderasiatisches Museum (Museum of the Ancient Near East), and the Museum für Islamische Kunst (Museum of Islamic Art). The Collection of Classical Antiquities features Greek and Roman art, including sculptures, jewelry, and architectural fragments. The highlight is the Pergamon Altar, which depicts the battle between the gods and giants. The Museum of the Ancient Near East showcases artifacts from Mesopotamia, Syria, and Anatolia. The collection includes reconstructions of Babylonian monuments such as the Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way. The Museum of Islamic Art displays art and architectural decorations from the Islamic world, including the Mshatta Facade and the Aleppo Room. Currently, the Pergamon Museum is closed for renovation, with the north wing and the hall containing the Pergamon Altar expected to reopen in 2027. During the closure, visitors can still experience the Pergamon Altar and other artifacts at the Pergamon Museum: The Panorama, a temporary exhibition building located nearby. This exhibition features a 360-degree panorama by Yadegar Asisi, offering a unique perspective on the altar and its original urban context.