Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum)

One of Germany’s most visited museums, Berlin’s Pergamon Museum is renowned for its impressive collection of art and antiquities from Turkey and the Middle East. Located on Berlin’s UNESCO-listed Museum Island, the Pergamon is split into three permanent exhibitions—the Collection of Classical Antiquities, the Museum of the Ancient Near East, and the Museum of Islamic Art—which together chronicle over 2,000 years of history.

Visitors to the Pergamon Museum can explore independently or learn about the museum’s vast collection on a guided skip-the-line tour with an expert guide. Purchase a Berlin Pass or Museum Island day pass to gain entry to Pergamon Museum along with numerous other attractions.

• The Pergamon Museum is currently undergoing extensive restorations. As a result, parts of the north wing will be closed until 2023.

• Visitor facilities include restrooms, a gift shop, a free coat check, and a café.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible—lifts and ramps are available on all floors.

The Pergamon Museum is located at the northern tip of Museum Island in central Berlin, close to the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Altes Museum. The closest S-Bahn railway stations are Friedrichstrasse and Hackescher Markt, both a 10- to 15-minute walk to the island. The M1 and M12 trams stop at Kupfergraben, a 5-minute walk from the museum.

The Pergamon is open year-round from 10am to 6pm with extended hours on Thursday until 8pm, but the site can get crowded during the peak summer months, when it’s best to arrive early or opt for a weekday visit.

Among the many treasures of the Pergamon Museum, must-sees include the massive Pergamon Altar from the second century BC and the Market Gate of Miletus, both in the Classical Antiquities collection. In the Near East exhibition, standout attractions include part of King Nebuchadnezzar’s throne hall and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, which dates back to the sixth century BC. The stunning Aleppo Room—a masterpiece of painted wall paneling—is the star attraction of the Islamic exhibition.