Altes Museum Berlin – Entry Ticket, Highlights & Visitor Guide
Berlin’s Altes Museum is a landmark of neoclassical architecture on Museum Island, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and opened in 1830. It houses the State Museums’ Classical Antiquities – from Greek vases to Roman portraiture and Etruscan art – arranged around the celebrated rotunda.
Plan your visit: a quick history, what to see, how long to spend, and where to get a mobile-friendly entry ticket.
History & Collections (at a glance)
- Built: 1823–1830 by K. F. Schinkel; centerpiece of the early Museum Island project.
- Architecture: Monumental colonnade and central rotunda inspired by classical antiquity.
- Collection: Antikensammlung – Greek, Etruscan & Roman antiquities (sculpture, vases, decorative arts).
- After 1945: War damage; restored and reopened in the 1960s; ongoing conservation since reunification.
- Today: Part of Staatliche Museen zu Berlin & UNESCO-listed Museum Island; special exhibitions rotate.
- Plan: 60–90 minutes for highlights; combine with Neues Museum or Alte Nationalgalerie.
Altes Museum Berlin
Neoclassical architecture meets ancient treasures on Museum Island
Essential Information
Why Visit
Key Highlights
Perfect For
Architecture
Designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel (opened 1830), the Altes Museum combines a monumental colonnade with a ceremonial rotunda. The classical proportions and axial views create a calm, legible setting for displaying ancient artworks.
Collection Highlights
Six essential highlights that define the museum's character and collections
Greek Sculpture & Vases
Selected works across periods; includes Attic red- and black-figure ceramics.
Roman Portrait Busts
Imperial and civilian portraits illustrating style, identity, and status.
Etruscan Bronzes & Funerary Art
Objects from daily life and ritual contexts, presented with concise labels.
Rotunda (Architectural Icon)
Schinkel's central dome hall — a ceremonial anchor for the museum layout.
Coins & Medals
Shown when included in current rotations; check on-site notes for display status.
Current Special Exhibition
Placeholder for the active show; verify title, dates, and gallery on the day.
Smart Itineraries
Time-optimized routes designed for different visit styles and schedules
45-Minute Essentials
Quick Visit- Rotunda (orientation)
- Greek vases (selected gallery)
- Roman portraits (highlight room)
75-Minute Standard
Comprehensive- Essentials route
- Etruscan room (overview)
- One special gallery (current rotation)
120-Minute Deep Dive
In-Depth- All of the above
- Thematic deepening (choose focus)
- Museum shop (catalogs & guides)
Ticket Options — Altes Museum & Museum Island
Clear choices, what’s included/excluded, no surprises.
Altes Museum Entry Ticket
Best for focused visits (60–90 min) on Museum Island.
- Includes: Entry to Altes Museum; mobile ticket (voucher/app/print as per checkout)
- Good to know: Time-slot or on-the-day rules may apply — shown during booking
- Excludes: Other museums, guided tour, audio guide (unless offered as add-on)
Museum Island Day Ticket (Multiple Museums)
Great value if you plan 2–3 houses the same day.
- Includes: Same-day admission to participating Museum Island museums
- Tip: Start at the Altes Museum, then add Neues Museum or Alte Nationalgalerie
- Excludes: Guided tours, special extras; availability varies by day
Berlin WelcomeCard: Museum Island Pass
For short city stays combining transport + museums.
- Includes: Public transport (variant dependent) + Museum Island access (per product terms)
- Good to know: Coverage (zones/days) is product-specific — check voucher details
- Excludes: Guided tours; some special exhibitions may require extra tickets
Discounts & Free Entries
Neutral guidance — confirm on the official site for your date.
- Reduced rates may exist for students/youth; ID required
- Occasional free or discounted days are possible
- Free admission rules can vary by museum and season
- No universal promise — policies change; verify before visiting
Popular add-on: Neues Museum Entry Ticket
Visiting Info – Best Times & Flow
Reduce friction, avoid queues, keep the visit calm and focused.
- Best times: Weekday mornings or late afternoons; weekends are busier.
- Closures/holidays: schedules change — verify today on the official page.
- Bags & coats: Prefer small bags and light layers; cloakroom availability varies.
- Micro-flow: Start at the Rotunda → move clockwise through Greek → Roman → Etruscan galleries.
Accessibility & Facilities
Transparent, realistic expectations help everyone enjoy the visit.
- Mobility: Step-free routes and elevators available in core areas; some sections vary.
- Restrooms & seating: Restrooms onsite; seating points distributed across galleries.
- Prams/quiet spaces: Prams generally allowed; quiet corners for short breaks.
- Official info: Accessibility details (check current notes).
Families & Audio / Education
Broaden the audience, increase dwell time, keep the tone respectful.
- Family-friendly: Short, focused stops; pick 3–4 highlights per visit.
- Audio: Short listening stations or app content may be available; check on the day.
- Sketching: Pencil/Sketchbook often acceptable; avoid blocking pathways or touching objects.
- Learning goals: Observe materials, function, and context; compare Greek, Roman, Etruscan styles.
FAQ – Altes Museum (Quick Answers)
Featured-snippet ready; concise and neutral.
Do I need a time slot?
Sometimes. Time-slot or day-specific rules can apply and change. Check the current policy during booking or on the official website before visiting.
How long should I plan?
Allow around 60–90 minutes for highlights. Add time if you prefer slower reading, audio stops, or a sketching session.
What’s included in the ticket?
Basic entry to the Altes Museum. Guided tours, audio, or special shows may be separate unless the product states otherwise at checkout.
Is photography allowed?
Usually non-flash photography is allowed. Always follow gallery signage and staff instructions; restrictions can apply to certain works.
Are lockers or a cloakroom available?
A cloakroom or lockers are typically available, but capacity and rules vary. Bring small bags and light layers to simplify entry.
What are Museum Island alternatives?
Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode-Museum, and Pergamon Panorama are nearby choices. Availability and exhibits vary by date.
Is the museum accessible?
Core areas have step-free access and elevators. Some sections may differ. Verify current access notes on the official page before visiting.
What’s the best time of day?
Weekday mornings after opening or later in the afternoon are typically calmer than midday and weekends.
Any family tips?
Pick 3–4 highlights, keep stops short, and take breaks. Discuss materials and stories rather than covering every label.
Is there an audio guide?
Audio or app-based content may be available depending on the day and exhibition. Confirm onsite or during booking.
