The Pergamon Museum is one of the most renowned museums located on Museum Island in Berlin, Germany. It houses an extensive collection of classical antiquities, Middle Eastern art, and Islamic art, including monumental reconstructions like the Pergamon Altar.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Marvel at the Pergamon Altar
The museum’s namesake, the Pergamon Altar, is a massive, intricately detailed structure from the ancient Greek city of Pergamon (modern-day Turkey). This monumental altar, built in the 2nd century BCE, was dedicated to Zeus and Athena and features a stunning frieze that depicts the battle between gods and giants (Gigantomachy). You can walk around the reconstructed altar and admire the incredible craftsmanship and scale of this ancient structure.
2. Walk Through the Ishtar Gate
The Ishtar Gate is one of the most breathtaking reconstructions in the Pergamon Museum. Originally part of the ancient city of Babylon (modern Iraq), the gate was built during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE. The vibrant blue-glazed bricks, adorned with reliefs of lions, dragons, and bulls, give visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Babylon. The Processional Way, which accompanied the gate, is also partially reconstructed, providing a sense of the splendor with which worshippers would have entered the city.
3. Explore the Market Gate of Miletus
Another architectural marvel, the Market Gate of Miletus, is an impressive Roman structure from the 2nd century CE. This enormous gate once stood at the entrance to the marketplace of the ancient city of Miletus (in modern Turkey). The gate has been meticulously reconstructed, and its towering columns and archways evoke the grandeur of Roman engineering and urban planning.
4. Discover the Islamic Art Museum
The Museum of Islamic Art, housed within the Pergamon Museum, offers a rich collection of Islamic art and cultural artifacts. The centerpiece of this collection is the Mshatta Façade, a beautifully detailed limestone façade from a desert palace in Jordan, built in the 8th century CE. The museum also houses exquisite carpets, ceramics, manuscripts, and metalwork from the Islamic world, spanning from Spain to India. It’s a fascinating journey through centuries of Islamic art and architecture.
5. Admire the Processional Street of Babylon
Beyond the Ishtar Gate, visitors can explore a portion of the original Processional Street that led through ancient Babylon. The walls of the street are lined with glazed brick panels depicting lions and other animals, which symbolized the power and protection of the Babylonian gods. Walking along this reconstructed street gives you an immersive sense of the grandeur of ancient Babylonian processions.
6. See the Aleppo Room
One of the most captivating exhibits in the Islamic Art section is the Aleppo Room, a richly decorated wood-paneled room from a 17th-century house in Aleppo, Syria. The intricate designs on the walls feature floral patterns, calligraphy, and religious motifs, offering a window into the artistic traditions of Ottoman-era Syria. The room was originally used as a reception room in a wealthy merchant's home and is a highlight of the museum’s Islamic collection.
7. Explore the Collection of the Ancient Near East
The Ancient Near East Museum within the Pergamon Museum holds one of the largest collections of artifacts from Mesopotamia, Assyria, and Anatolia. In addition to the Ishtar Gate and Processional Street, this collection includes cuneiform tablets, monumental sculptures, and impressive reliefs from ancient palaces and temples. The exhibits trace the development of early human civilization, including writing, law, and religion.
8. Visit the Temporary Pergamon Altar Panorama
Due to ongoing renovations in the museum, the Pergamon Altar itself is partially closed to the public, but visitors can visit the Pergamon Museum Panorama, located nearby. This immersive exhibition includes a 360-degree panoramic display that recreates the ancient city of Pergamon during its heyday. The panorama, created by artist Yadegar Asisi, is accompanied by multimedia presentations that offer a deeper understanding of daily life in the ancient city.
9. Learn About Ancient Trade at the Museum of the Ancient Near East
The Museum of the Ancient Near East section of Pergamon offers more than just monumental architecture. It also tells the story of the rise of trade and civilization in the region, showcasing objects used in everyday life, such as pottery, tools, and jewelry. Displays about trade routes, agriculture, and city planning help contextualize the development of early civilizations in Mesopotamia and the surrounding regions.
10. Immerse Yourself in History Through Audio Guides and Tours
The Pergamon Museum offers audio guides in multiple languages that provide in-depth information about the exhibits. Guided tours are also available, which offer expert insights into the history and significance of the artifacts on display. If you want to get the most out of your visit, these guided tours or audio guides are highly recommended.
Official Website: https://www.smb.museum/museen-einrichtungen/pergamonmuseum/home/
Main Positive Reviews:
The Ishtar Gate and the Pergamon Altar are breathtaking. The sheer scale and history behind these artifacts are amazing.
A must-visit in Berlin. The museum's collection is unparalleled, especially if you're interested in ancient history.
Well-organized, informative, and the exhibits are spectacular. Worth every penny.
The museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts. The audio guide is very helpful.
The Islamic art section is fascinating. It's a great blend of different cultures and histories.
This museum is very worth visiting. The exhibits mainly feature ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Central Asian history and culture. The architecture is very beautiful.
Due to the temporary closure of the museum (June 2024), it's not possible to visit inside, but you can sit beside it and observe the surroundings! The beautiful buildings around and the square in front of the museum are great spots for taking beautiful photos.
Main Negative Reviews:
The renovation work is quite disruptive. Many parts of the museum are closed.
It's a bit expensive compared to other museums in Berlin, especially with the ongoing renovations.
Long queues and crowded halls can make the visit a bit uncomfortable.
Some exhibits are not well labeled, and it can be confusing without an audio guide.
The museum's layout is a bit confusing, and it can be hard to navigate.
Someone said: Very disappointing. All Egyptian collections have been moved to the new museum, requiring an additional ticket to visit. Otherwise, it's very much worth seeing.
Someone said: We had to book in advance, and it was really crowded.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Ticket Price: Approximately €14.00 to €59.00 depending on the type of ticket and any additional exhibitions or tours included.
Despite some negative feedback related to ongoing renovations and crowd management, the Pergamon Museum is highly recommended for its exceptional and unique exhibits. If planning a visit, it might be wise to check current renovation updates and plan accordingly.
Is it Worth Visiting:
Yes, the museum is highly recommended for its unique and impressive collections. However, it is currently undergoing a long-term renovation (until 2037), which might affect the visitor experience.
Buy Ticket or Join Activities at GetYourGuide:
Comments