Neues Museum

The name was given to the Northern half of an island located in the Spree River, in the central Mitte part of the city. The island is so named because it is home to five important museums, including the Neues Museum.

Construction of the museum

This museum was originally built in the mid-19th century, with initial construction completed in 1853. It was an extension of the existing Altes Museum. However, it was damaged during the course of World War II. Specifically during the bombing of Berlin that occurred near the end of the war. Significant renovations have been made to the building, which reopened in 2009. These renovations earned the architect an award for the design. Although some people preferred the original, more traditional look of the old museum.

Permanent exhibit

There are two permanent exhibit collections that are available at all times for the public. These are the Egyptian collection and the Archaeological collection. Which features Stone Age and later artifacts from across Asia and Europe.

The first of these exhibits, the Egyptian collection, is widely considered to be one of the must-see exhibits for Egypt lovers all over the world. This is because of the depth of the collection, and the inclusion of what is perhaps the most well-known Egyptian artifact of all time, the bust of Nefertiti.

Nefertiti

The bust of Nefertiti is one of the most beautiful examples of Egyptian sculpture to survive ancient times. Nefertiti herself was considered to be one of the most beautiful women in history. This 3300-year-old painted limestone bust reveals not only the beauty of the Queen but the artistic style and standards that were in play during the time of the bust’s creation. It forms the basis of the entire collection, which has a focus on artifacts from the period of Nefertiti’s life. Including the controversial changes implemented by her husband, the pharaoh Akhenaten.

Artifacts collection

For those who have a greater interest in archeological artifacts, the collection of Stone Age, Iron Age, and Bronze Age artifacts is a feature of interest at the museum. The artifacts on display are largely European ones, although portions of Asia are represented by the collection. These provide a solid and well-organized display of the history of man’s development through these periods.

Museum information

The museum is open seven days a week. The hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm local time, every day except on Thursday when the museum is open until 8:00pm. Admission to the museum costs twelve Euros. For just eighteen Euros visitors can get a ticket that admits them to all exhibits on Museum Island.

Getting to the museum is relatively easy as it is accessible via car, tram or bus. Specific instructions to get to the museum from various locations are available on the museum’s website.