Altes Museum Hours | Best Visiting Times & Must-Know Tips

Q: Does the Altes Museum have late-night openings?

No, the museum follows standard hours, closing at 6pm most days.

Q: What happens if I arrive just before closing time?

Entry is usually allowed up to 30 minutes before closing, but staff may start directing visitors out early. If you want time to properly explore, aim to arrive at least an hour before closing.

Q: Is there a recommended route for first-time visitors?

Yes! Start in the stunning rotunda, inspired by the Pantheon, before heading to the Greek and Roman sculpture halls. Then, make your way to the Etruscan and Egyptian collections, which are often less crowded but filled with fascinating artifacts.

Q: Can you bring a backpack into the museum?

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the galleries and must be stored in the free lockers near the entrance. If you are carrying a small bag, you may be asked to wear it on your front to avoid accidental damage to exhibits.

Altes Museum

The Altes Museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
The Altes Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 31 (New Year's Eve).

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday (Today)	10:00–17:00
Thursday	10:00–17:00
Friday	10:00–17:00
Saturday	10:00–18:00
Sunday	10:00–18:00

On International Women’s Day (March 8), Easter (April 18 to 21), Labor Day (May 1), Ascension Day (May 29), Pentecost (June 9), German Unification Day (October 3), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), the museum is open from 10am to 6pm.
On the first day of the New Year, the museum is open from noon to 6pm.

Best time to visit the Altes Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: If you are looking for a quieter, more immersive experience, weekdays are the best time to visit the Altes Museum. Mornings, especially right after opening (10am), offer the smallest crowds, allowing you to explore exhibits like the ‘Praying Boy’ and ‘Berlin Goddess’ without distraction. Avoid the lunchtime rush (noon to 2pm) when tour groups often arrive.
Weekend: Weekends bring more visitors, especially on Saturdays and Sundays from midday onward. Arriving early at 10am lets you enjoy the museum before it gets busy, while a late afternoon visit (after 4pm) offers a more relaxed atmosphere. If you plan to visit multiple Museum Island attractions, a weekend ticket or Berlin WelcomeCard can help streamline your experience.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

June to August: Summer sees large crowds, especially from midday to late afternoon. Queues can be longer, even with skip-the-line tickets. If visiting in peak season, arrive right at opening (10am) or late afternoon (after 4pm).
March to May & September to October: Spring and early autumn offer the best balance—fewer tourists than summer but still lively, making it ideal for strolling around Lustgarten or Berlin Cathedral.
November to February: Winter offers a quiet, crowd-free experience with minimal queues. However, shorter daylight and cold weather make exploring Museum Island less ideal. Avoid holiday weeks in December, as Christmas and New Year bring a surge in visitors.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long do you need to explore the Altes Museum?

Depending on your pace, a visit to the Altes Museum can take 1.5 to 3 hours, whether you're browsing the highlights or examining its artifacts.

Quick explorers (1.5 to 2 hours): If you're short on time, opt for a 60 to 90-minute tour to catch the museum’s highlights. Start with the impressive rotunda, then explore intricate Greek sculptures, Roman portraits, and exquisite vases, each offering a glimpse into the artistry of the ancient world.

Art and history enthusiasts (2.5 to 3 hours): For those eager to explore, 2 to 3 hours allows for a deeper appreciation of Greek and Roman antiquities. Admire the famous 'Berlin Goddess', study the lifelike busts of Roman emperors, and examine the detailed mythological scenes on ancient ceramics. This pace ensures you can fully engage with the museum’s collection without feeling rushed.

Ancient art aficionados (3 to 4 hours): If you love diving deep into ancient civilizations, plan for 3.5 to 4 hours. Read every inscription, analyze intricate jewelry and coins, and absorb the museum’s rich narratives through audio guides or exhibition texts.

Tips to note before visiting the Altes Museum

Most visitors rush to the Greek sculptures on the main floor, but the real hidden gem is Room 5 on the upper level, where you will find ancient Etruscan artifacts that often go unnoticed. This section is quieter and offers a fascinating glimpse into a civilization that influenced both Greek and Roman culture.

The museum’s grand rotunda, inspired by the Pantheon, looks most dramatic in the morning or late afternoon, when sunlight streams through the skylight. This is also the best time to avoid large tour groups and enjoy the space in near silence.

One of the oldest objects in the museum is an Egyptian alabaster vessel from around 3,000 BCE, tucked away in a corner of the antiquities collection. It’s easy to miss but worth seeking out for a true glimpse into ancient craftsmanship!

Frequently asked questions about Altes Museum timings

Does the Altes Museum have late-night openings?

No, the museum follows standard hours, closing at 6pm most days.

What happens if I arrive just before closing time?

Entry is usually allowed up to 30 minutes before closing, but staff may start directing visitors out early. If you want time to properly explore, aim to arrive at least an hour before closing.

Is the Altes Museum open on holidays?

Yes, the museum is open on most public holidays, but hours may vary. It is closed on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and opens later (noon) on New Year’s Day.

Is there a recommended route for first-time visitors?

Yes! Start in the stunning rotunda, inspired by the Pantheon, before heading to the Greek and Roman sculpture halls. Then, make your way to the Etruscan and Egyptian collections, which are often less crowded but filled with fascinating artifacts.

Can you bring a backpack into the museum?

Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside the galleries and must be stored in the free lockers near the entrance. If you are carrying a small bag, you may be asked to wear it on your front to avoid accidental damage to exhibits.