Alte Nationalgalerie Entry Ticket – Discover Berlin’s 19th-Century Art Gem
Planning your visit to Museum Island? An Alte Nationalgalerie entry ticket opens the door to 19th-century masterpieces — from Romantic landscapes by Caspar David Friedrich to bold works by Manet and Monet — inside a majestic neoclassical temple.
🎟️ Get Your Alte Nationalgalerie Entry Ticket
Secure your spot to explore one of Berlin’s most iconic art museums. Skip the lines and enjoy direct access to a world-class collection on Museum Island.
What is the Alte Nationalgalerie?
The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) is one of Berlin’s most celebrated art museums, located on the UNESCO-listed Museum Island. Housed in a neoclassical building resembling a Roman temple, the gallery opened in 1876 and is part of the renowned Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (National Museums of Berlin).
Its collection focuses on European art from the 19th century – a transformative period marked by Romanticism, Realism, and early Impressionism. Visitors can admire iconic works by Caspar David Friedrich, Adolph Menzel, Karl Blechen, Max Liebermann, and French masters like Manet and Monet.
Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious about Germany’s cultural heritage, the Alte Nationalgalerie offers a deep and moving experience in the heart of Berlin.
Highlights of the Collection
- Caspar David Friedrich – Monk by the Sea
A hauntingly minimalist masterpiece of Romanticism, evoking solitude and the sublime. - Adolph Menzel – The Iron Rolling Mill
A vivid portrayal of industrial realism, showing Berlin’s 19th-century transformation. - Karl Friedrich Schinkel – Gothic Cathedral by a River
A visionary blend of architecture and dreamlike landscape. - Max Liebermann – Woman with Goats
A leading figure of German Impressionism with quiet scenes of everyday life. - Édouard Manet – In the Conservatory
One of the few French Impressionists represented, bridging modern Paris and Berlin. - Sculptures by Johann Gottfried Schadow and Christian Rauch
Iconic neoclassical works, including the famous group Princesses Luise and Friederike.
Map: Alte Nationalgalerie & Nearby Museums
The Alte Nationalgalerie is part of Berlin’s world-famous Museum Island. Explore the area and nearby institutions like the Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, and more.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Here’s everything you need to know before planning your visit to the Alte Nationalgalerie in Berlin – from ticket prices to opening hours and discounts.
- Standard Ticket: €12 (subject to change)
- Reduced Ticket: €6 (students, disabled visitors with ID)
- Free Admission: Under 18s, Berlin Museum Pass holders
- Museum Pass Berlin: €32 for 3 days – includes access to over 30 museums, including all institutions on Museum Island
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays and public holidays
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Tip: Book your entry ticket online in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance.
Architecture of the Alte Nationalgalerie
The Alte Nationalgalerie stands out with its remarkable architecture that blends neoclassical elegance with 19th-century monumentality. Designed by architect Friedrich August Stüler and completed in 1876, the building resembles a Greco-Roman temple with wide steps, a portico supported by Corinthian columns, and a grand central hall.
Its elevated position and monumental stairs symbolize the ascent to the world of art, reflecting the 19th-century ideal of art as a cultural and spiritual experience. The sculptural frieze and bronze equestrian statue of King Frederick William IV at the front add further prestige to the structure.
The building suffered damage during World War II and was carefully restored in the post-war years. Today, it remains not only a treasure trove of 19th-century art but also an architectural highlight in the heart of Museum Island.
🎨 Recommended Tour: Art & Museum Island Experience
Want to dive deeper into Berlin’s art history? This expertly guided tour takes you through the highlights of Museum Island – including fast-track entry to the Alte Nationalgalerie. Learn about Romanticism, Realism, and Berlin’s cultural heritage from a local art historian.
🖼️ Book the Museum Tour & Entry Ticket
Includes expert guide • Entry ticket • Flexible cancellation
🎫 Museum Island Pass – Explore All Museums in Berlin
Discover Museum Island in Berlin with this ticket that is valid for one day in all houses of the Museum Island (Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Bodemuseum, Das Panorama, Alte Nationalgalerie).
🏛️ Get Your Museum Island Pass
Valid for one day • Visit all five museums on Museum Island
Did you know?
The Alte Nationalgalerie’s design was inspired by a Roman temple – but the idea of building it as a “temple of art” came from King Frederick William IV himself, who sketched the concept in 1841. His vision still shapes the museum’s spirit today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Alte Nationalgalerie without visiting other museums on Museum Island?
Yes, you can purchase a single-entry ticket for the Alte Nationalgalerie only. However, if you're planning to visit more than one museum, a Museum Island day pass is usually better value.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, the Alte Nationalgalerie has elevator access and is wheelchair-friendly. Some areas are historic and may require assistance – staff are available to help.
Are the exhibition texts available in English?
Most exhibits have bilingual German-English descriptions. Audioguides and guided tours in English are also available.
Can I take photos inside the museum?
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed, but without flash or tripods. Some special exhibitions may prohibit photography.
Is there a café or place to rest nearby?
There is no café inside the Alte Nationalgalerie itself, but several options are available nearby, including the James-Simon-Galerie café and spots along the Spree promenade.
Other Art Museums Worth Visiting
If you enjoyed the Alte Nationalgalerie, these five Berlin museums might also be of interest – each offering a unique perspective on art, history, and culture.
- Neues Museum – Ancient Egypt, prehistory, and Nefertiti.
- Altes Museum – Greek and Roman art in a historic rotunda.
- Bode-Museum – Sculpture and Byzantine treasures on the tip of Museum Island.
- Gemäldegalerie – European paintings from the 13th to 18th century.
- Hamburger Bahnhof – Berlin’s best collection of contemporary art.
