About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent fifteen years watching operators chase the "next big thing" in tourism, but the Neues Museum is a reminder that sometimes the old stuff is still the best lead you've got. While most of the industry is obsessed with high-tech immersive "experiences" that are basically just glorified projectors, this place actually holds the weight of history. It's funny—we talk about RevPAR and occupancy rates all day, but you can’t really put a price on standing three feet away from a bust that’s survived three millennia and a couple of world wars. Honestly, if you’re coming to Berlin and skipping the Museum Island because you think museums are "stuffy," you’re doing it wrong. It’s not just about looking at old rocks; it’s about seeing where we actually came from before we started booking everything through an algorithm.
About the Tour
The Neues Museum stands as a centerpiece of Berlin’s UNESCO World Heritage Museum Island, offering a deep dive into the annals of human history. This isn't just a collection of artifacts; it’s a journey through the evolution of global culture, housed in a building that is an architectural marvel in its own right—seamlessly blending 19th-century grandeur with modern restoration.
What to Expect
When you step inside, you gain access to three distinct and world-renowned collections:
- The Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection: Home to some of the most iconic pieces of ancient art in existence.
- The Museum of Prehistory and Early History: A comprehensive look at the dawn of civilization.
- The Collection of Classical Antiquities: Featuring stunning sculptures and artifacts from the Greco-Roman world.
The Crown Jewels of the Collection
While every corner of the museum holds something fascinating, there are a few "must-sees" that define the experience:
- The Bust of Nefertiti: Perhaps the most famous face in Berlin, this 3,300-year-old masterpiece remains breathtakingly lifelike.
- The Berlin Gold Hat: An incredible relic from the Bronze Age, intricately crafted and shrouded in celestial mystery.
- The Green Head: A hauntingly realistic Egyptian portrait that defies the stylized norms of its era.
- Priam's Treasure: Part of Heinrich Schliemann’s legendary (and controversial) finds from the ancient city of Troy.
A Journey Through Time and Space
Beyond the famous busts, you’ll find a unique insight into the development of prehistoric cultures. The exhibits span a massive geographical range, from the Middle East across to the Atlantic, and from the rugged North of Scandinavia down to North Africa. Whether you are marvelling at a replica of an Egyptian sarcophagus, the statue of the Xanten Boy, or one of the few surviving statues of the Roman sun god Helios, the museum offers a tactile connection to the past that few other institutions can match.
For those looking to maximize their time in Berlin, this ticket provides the essential entry point to one of the most significant cultural hubs on the planet.
Highlights
- Visit one of the most impressive parts of the Berlin Museum Island
- Find out about the 19th century history of art, museums and technology
- See 3 museums in one: the Egyptian Museum, the Antique Collection the Museum of Prehistory and Early History
Know before you go
- You can stay in the museum for as long as you like
- Discounted tickets are only available with relevant ID
- Backpacks are not allowed in the exhibition and there is limited locker and cloakroom space
- The whole building is wheelchair accessible