Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie)

The Old National Gallery, one of five museums on Museum Island, houses one of Europe’s largest collections of 19th-century art—with more than 1,800 paintings and 1,500 sculptures. Though much of the museum was destroyed during World War II, it was later repaired by both the communist and democratic regimes in the following decades.

Many tours in Berlin explore Museum Island with options to go inside the gallery. If visiting independently, combine the Old National Gallery and other UNESCO-listed Museumsinsel sights with a 3-day Museum Pass. Alternatively, a 2- or 3-day Berlin Pass includes admission to the gallery and more than 50 other city attractions.

• Art lovers must not miss the Alte Nationalgalerie.

• There is a free cloakroom for storing personal items as well as those not permitted in the museum, including large bags and backpacks, tripods, and umbrellas.

• Visitors under the age of 18 receive free admission.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.

The Old National Gallery is located in Berlin Mitte on Museum Island. There is no parking available so take the S-Bahn to Hackescher Markt, or tram M1 or 12 to Georgenstr./Am Kupfergraben.

The Alte Nationalgalerie is open from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and until 8pm on Thursday (when there are fewer visitors); check the website for holiday hours. It is advised to visit the museum outside of the summer months when Berlin is less crowded.

The Old National Gallery vast collection of 19th-century artworks features numerous masterpieces. Significant paintings on display includeThe Balcony Room andIron Rolling Mill by Adolph Menzel,In Summer by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, andMonk by the Sea by German artist Caspar David Friedrich. Don’t-miss sculptures include those of Princesses Luise and Friederike of Prussia as well as Friedrich Wilhelm IV.