Berlin is well known for its voracious nightlife, but by day its visual art scene is equally thrilling. There are some 175 museums and art collections in Berlin—easy to do in a weekend, right? But you can always start on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with five major institutions like the Pergamonmuseum, dedicated to ancient art and archaeology (albeit currently undergoing renovations, and slated to reopen in early 2027) and the Neues Museum’s vast Egyptian collection. Given Berlin’s recent history, there’s of course also a number of museums which provide an unflinching look at the horrors of Nazi Germany and the city’s subsequent division into East and West. But Berlin isn’t content to live in the past; as a magnet for international artists, it also boasts a dynamic contemporary art scene, with cutting-edge spaces leading the way. These are the best museums in Berlin.
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This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
