Altes Museum Berlin | Home to Classical Antiquities

Greek, Roman, & Etruscan masterpieces at the Altes Museum

The Altes Museum is a gateway to the ancient world, offering a glimpse into the art and culture of Greece, Rome, and Etruria. Located on Berlin’s Museum Island, it was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and opened in 1830 as Germany’s fir...

Also Known As

Old Museum

Founded On

1830

Founded By

Karl Friedrich Schinkel

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany

RECOMMENDED DURATION

1 hour

Timings

10:00–17:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

204000

TICKETS

From € 12

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Opened in 1830, the Altes Museum was designed solely for fine art and antiquities, while natural history and ethnographic artifacts were placed elsewhere. This separation reflected Enlightenment-era ideals, which sought to separate ‘high culture’ from the study of nature and anthropology.

Before opening to the public, the Altes Museum housed the Prussian royal collection, featuring Greek and Roman antiquities acquired through diplomacy, purchases, and military campaigns. Some artifacts were taken from Napoleon’s seized collections after Prussia’s wars against France.

The grand rotunda, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, was designed as more than just an architectural feature. Its circular form symbolized the universality of knowledge, marking antiquity as the foundation of European thought and intellectual enlightenment.

From Prussian vault to public icon | History of the Altes Museum

1822: Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel is commissioned to design a new public museum to showcase the royal art collection.

1823: Construction begins on the Altes Museum, with a Neoclassical design inspired by ancient Greek temples.

1830: The museum officially opens to the public as Berlin’s first public museum, originally named the Königliches Museum (Royal Museum).

1841: King Friedrich Wilhelm IV declares Museum Island a dedicated space for art and science, with the Altes Museum as its centerpiece.

1845 to 1855: The museum is renamed Altes Museum (Old Museum) after the construction of the Neues Museum (New Museum).

1870s: The Collection of Classical Antiquities expands, becoming one of the most important collections of Greek and Roman art in Europe.

1939 to 1945 (WWII): The museum suffers severe bomb damage, destroying parts of the building and art collections.

1951 to 1966: Extensive reconstruction and restoration take place under the German Democratic Republic (GDR) government.

1966: The Altes Museum reopens, now exclusively dedicated to Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities.

1999: UNESCO designates Museum Island (including the Altes Museum) as a World Heritage Site.

2020: The museum celebrates 190 years since its founding, maintaining its legacy as one of the most significant classical antiquities collections in Europe.

Today: The Altes Museum continues to host permanent and special exhibitions, featuring masterpieces from ancient civilizations and drawing visitors from around the world.

Frequently asked questions about the Altes Museum

Are there any interactive exhibits at the Altes Museum?

While most exhibits focus on classical antiquities, special exhibitions like ‘Goddesses and Consorts: Women in Ancient Myth’ and ‘Ancient Worlds: Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans’ offer digital reconstructions, touchscreens, and audio guides.

Does the museum display original artifacts or replicas?

Most artifacts are authentic, but certain fragile pieces, like ancient glassware, delicate frescoes, and select coins, are displayed as high-quality replicas to prevent deterioration.

How often does the museum change its exhibitions?

Permanent collections remain the same, but special exhibitions rotate every 6 to 12 months, featuring new themes and rare loans from international museums.

Are there any lesser-known artifacts worth seeing?

Absolutely! The Etruscan burial artifacts, rare ancient coins, and the only surviving painted portrait of Emperor Septimius Severus are hidden gems most people overlook.

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Yes, you can click pictures for personal use in most areas, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.