Berlin is a city bursting with history, culture, and art. While the streets themselves already feel like an open-air gallery, the German capital also offers some of the best museums in Europe. Whether you’re into world-class paintings, fascinating history, or modern creativity, Berlin has it all. Here’s our selection of the best museums in Berlin you shouldn’t miss!
1. Gemäldegalerie – Berlin’s Masterpiece Collection
Address: Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin
Tickets: Available on-site and online
Official website: smb.museum
The Gemäldegalerie (Old Masters Gallery) is a must-visit for art lovers. With more than 1,000 paintings, it holds one of the world’s most important collections of European art from the 13th to 18th centuries.
Here, you’ll admire works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Raphael. The gallery is beautifully lit and organized by schools and periods, making it easy to follow the development of European painting.
If you only have time for one art museum in Berlin, make it this one. Set aside at least two hours to truly enjoy the masterpieces.
2. Pergamon Museum – Ancient Wonders Reconstructed
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin
Tickets: Reservation recommended (currently under renovation, some exhibitions closed)
Official website: smb.museum
The Pergamon Museum, located on the famous Museum Island, is one of Berlin’s most visited attractions. Known for its breathtaking reconstructions of monumental archaeological structures, it brings the ancient world to life.
The highlights include the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Pergamon Altar (partly under renovation). Even if some halls are temporarily closed, the scale and detail of what you can see is unforgettable.
3. Neues Museum – The Home of Nefertiti
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin
Tickets: Book in advance to avoid long queues
Official website: smb.museum
If you’re fascinated by archaeology, the Neues Museum is your place. Its star attraction is without doubt the bust of Nefertiti, one of the most famous works of art in the world.
Besides Ancient Egypt, the museum also features prehistoric and early history collections, Roman artifacts, and unique cultural treasures. Combined with its stunning architecture – partly rebuilt after WWII – it’s an unforgettable experience.
4. DDR Museum – Daily Life Behind the Berlin Wall
Address: Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 1, 10178 Berlin
Tickets: Available on-site, online recommended for weekends
Official website: ddr-museum.de
Looking for something interactive? The DDR Museum takes you back to everyday life in East Germany during the Cold War. Unlike traditional museums, here you can touch, open, and experience history.
Step inside a reconstructed East German living room, sit in a Trabant car, or leaf through propaganda material. It’s fun, educational, and gives you a vivid idea of what life behind the Iron Curtain was really like.
5. Jewish Museum Berlin – Architecture Meets History
Address: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10969 Berlin
Tickets: Free admission
Official website: jmberlin.de
The Jewish Museum Berlin is not only about its exhibitions, but also about its iconic architecture designed by Daniel Libeskind. The zig-zag building with its dramatic voids and sharp angles is part of the experience itself.
Inside, you’ll find a moving narrative of Jewish history in Germany – from the Middle Ages to the Holocaust and contemporary culture. Expect to spend around two hours here, as the museum is both informative and emotional.
More Museums in Berlin
Berlin is home to over 170 museums – so no matter what you’re interested in, there’s something for you. From the Alte Nationalgalerie with Romantic art, to the futuristic Futurium, you could spend weeks museum-hopping in the German capital.
If you want to know when to visit musea for free, check out this page!
Fun fact: Berlin’s Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines five world-class museums in one spot – perfect if you want to see a lot in one day!
