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.

Altes Museum Berlin | Home to Classical Antiquities

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany

RECOMMENDED DURATION

1 hour

Timings

Closed today

VISITORS PER YEAR

204000

TICKETS

From $16.40

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.

Must-see attractions and collections

Collection of Classical Antiquities

Home to Greek, Roman, and Etruscan masterpieces, this collection features sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and everyday artifacts that bring the ancient world to life. Highlights include the ‘Berlin Goddess’, Praying Boy, and the ‘Wounded Amazon’.

Coin collection

One of the world’s most comprehensive ancient coin collections, it showcases 1,300+ coins from early Greek electrum pieces to Roman imperial gold, revealing the economy, politics, and power struggles of the ancient world.

What’s on | Explore the latest exhibitions

Goddesses and Consorts: Women in Ancient Myth

From: May 2024 to May 2025

Explore the powerful roles of women in ancient mythology, from revered goddesses like Athena and Hera to mortal heroines and mythical consorts, through sculptures, pottery, and artifacts.

Ancient Worlds: Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans

Until further notice

Featuring Greek statues, Etruscan burial artifacts, and Roman imperial portraits, this collection offers a deep dive into the interconnected worlds of trade, politics, and mythology that shaped the ancient Mediterranean.

Hands-on history | Upcoming workshops and events

Invitation to Pause (Einladung zum Verweilen)

March 8, 2025

A slow art workshop designed for adults, including those with impairments, allowing you to engage deeply with selected pieces through extended observation and discussion.

Oh My Goddess

March 8, 2025

An interactive workshop about the myths, symbolism, and artistic depictions of goddesses in ancient art.

Figure Drawing!

March 16, 2025

A hands-on drawing workshop where participants sketch the human form, inspired by classical sculptures in the museum.

Fortuna – What is Luck?

March 16, 2025

A hands-on workshop for children aged 6 to 12, exploring the ancient concept of luck and how different cultures viewed fortune and fate.

From Selfie to Emperor: Self-Portraits (Vom Selfie zum Kaiser: Selbstporträts)

April 12, 2025

A fun art workshop for families where kids can explore self-portrait styles, from ancient emperor busts to modern selfies.

Action in Shadow Theater (Action im Schattentheater)

April 16, 2025

A multi-day workshop for children (ages 9 to 12), introducing the art of shadow theater, where kids create and perform their own shadow plays.

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.

A Neoclassical marvel | The architecture of Altes Museum

The grand entrance: The museum’s colonnaded facade, featuring 18 Ionic columns, is modeled after the stoa of an ancient Greek temple, giving it an imposing yet elegant presence on Museum Island. Above the entrance, an inscription in Latin dedicates the building to ‘the study of all antiquity’.
The iconic rotunda: One of the most striking features inside the Altes Museum is its Pantheon-inspired rotunda. This space is lined with towering statues of Greek and Roman deities. The oculus (circular opening) above lets in natural light, illuminating the central space and adding to its dramatic effect.
The central staircase: Beyond the rotunda, a wide central staircase leads to the upper galleries. The surrounding halls showcase coffered ceilings, intricate friezes, and decorative pilasters, reinforcing the museum’s Neoclassical elegance.
Exhibition spaces: The exhibition halls are laid out symmetrically, making it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed. Schinkel’s design plays with light and shadow, bringing out the rich textures of ancient stone and bronze.
Latest additions: Today, modern climate control, LED lighting, and digital installations subtly enhance the space while maintaining its historical integrity.

Frequently asked questions about 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.