Neues Museum

Overview

The Neues Museum houses Berlin's Egyptian collection and the Museum of Prehistory and Early History. Brilliantly restored by David Chipperfield (reopened 2009), the building is an exhibit in itself — wartime scars are left deliberately visible alongside new interventions.

Highlights

• Bust of Nefertiti: The 3,300-year-old painted limestone portrait occupies its own domed room on the upper floor.
• Berlin Gold Hat: A Bronze Age gold ceremonial cone (c. 1000 BC) decorated with astronomical symbols.
• Egyptian Courtyard: Papyrus columns and monumental statuary in a dramatically lit hall.

History

Friedrich August Stüler's original building (1855) was heavily bombed in WWII and left as a ruin for decades. David Chipperfield's restoration preserved the damage as a memorial layer while adding minimalist concrete and brick.

Visitor Tips

• Timed tickets: Book in advance, especially on weekends when the Nefertiti room gets crowded.
• Photography: Allowed everywhere except the Nefertiti room.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.