Our Top Picks for The Best Berlin Museums Post-Pandemic
By: Easyguide
Tags: Berlin, Germany, Museums, Tourism, Travel

Berlin is a city with a story to tell. And the hundreds of museums in Berlin, many of which are globally renowned as one of the best of their kind, are the perfect place to discover more about this unique city.

From medieval to modern and serious to silly, the array of museums in Berlin cover the triumphs, tragedies and somewhat turbulent tales the city holds. Whether you’re after a long day of learning or a quick hour trip, there is something for all ages and all interests.

Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many attractions have had to temporarily close their doors in Germany. However, as German COVID restrictions are now beginning to be gradually lifted, museums and the like are springing back to life and there’s more to see than ever before!

To celebrate, we’ve decided to compile a list of the BEST museums in Berlin that you’ll definitely not want to miss out on during your next trip! And whilst you’re in town, why not also check out some more of the highest-rated attractions in the capital here!

So go on, have a quick scroll through our top picks for the best museums in Berlin before booking your next trip.

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East Side Gallery & The Wall Museum

What is it?

East Side Gallery is the most prolific standing remains of the Berlin wall. The wall stretches over 1km and is covered in vibrant and absurd street art. Neighbouring East Side Gallery is the Wall Museum, a multimedia experience presenting the dramatic history of the rise and fall of the Berlin wall.

Why should I visit?

The Wall Museum perfectly compliments your Berlin trip by providing you a real immersive understanding of German history and the wall — which you will likely see a lot of during your stay! Emotional and intense, the Wall Museum’s 13 room exhibition is the best museum in Berlin to discover how the wall changed the city and the lives of those who live there forever. easyGuide offer ‘skip the line’ tickets for the Wall Museum, allowing you to enjoy more time learning about the city, rather than queueing in it! Click here to find out more.

The Jewish Museum Berlin

What is it?

The Jewish Museum Berlin is the largest Jewish museum in Europe and displays the social, political and cultural history of Jews in Germany. The exhibition begins in the distant fourth century and guides visitors up to modern-day German Judaism.

Why should I visit?

Jewish history is an integral part of German history and the museum gives visitors a great perspective of the entirety of their past, with many entering unsure of the German-Jew experience beyond the Holocaust. The unique building’s designer Daniel Libeskind has created this innovatively shaped space based on three insights:

We cannot understand Berlin’s history without understanding the enormous contributions made by its Jewish citizens.

The meaning of the Holocaust must be integrated into the consciousness and memory of Berlin.

Germany must acknowledge the erasure of Jewish life in its history.

You’ll leave shocked, informed and humbled by this must-see museum.

Museum Island or ‘Museumsinsel’

What is it?

A complex of grand museums perched on an ‘island’ in Berlin’s river Spree. It is one of the most visited attractions in Europe and together its five museums form one UNESCO World Heritage site. Across the site, world-class collections of art and artefacts are displayed.

Why should I visit?

The Altes Museum’s neoclassical exterior is itself a work of art nestled amongst Berlin’s modern architecture. The building holds classical antiques and is the largest of its kind in the world.

The Altes Nationalgalerie resembles an ancient temple and owns approximately 4000 paintings and sculptures from 19th century Europe. The museum showcases work from artists such as Menzel, Monet, Renoir, Manet and Caspar David Friedrich.

The Bode Museum displays magnificent sculptures and Byzantine art. With a majestic glass dome ceiling and five grand courtyards, this stunning museum is a real treat for the eye.

The Neues Museum houses an impressive collection of ancient artefacts and many instantly recognisable pieces. However, the museum’s ‘crown jewels’ has to be the iconic original bust of Nefertiti.

The Pergamon Museum is dedicated to the lavish art of ancient Islam. With the shimmering turquoise Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way of Babylon, this time capsule of classic antiquity and ornamentation is one of the most breathtaking exhibits in Europe.

The Reichstag

What is it?

Germany’s parliament, the Reichstag, is an unmissable attraction in Berlin. Whilst not technically speaking a museum, the Reichstag provides a unique view into Berlin’s rich and complex political history.

Why should I visit?

Reichstag tours allow you to access an insider’s view of the world-renowned building, including a chance to see famous televised rooms, as well as important spaces the media doesn’t show. A private guide leads you around the grand building, providing informative anecdotes and answering questions to ensure you come away full of awe and knowledge. You can find tickets to see the Reichstag’s interior in all its glory with your very own private guide here on the easyGuide website.

Hamburger Bahnof

What is it?

Hamburger Bahnof, a former railway station, is now Berlin’s best contemporary art museum. The collection presents a wide variety of art from cutting-edge talent and household names. It also frequently hosts famous travelling exhibitions and showcases of incredible art.

Why should I visit?

This museum is a refreshing splash of modern brilliance in a city so steeped in history. The art within is interesting, diverse and could be found nowhere else in the world. Incredible pieces by artistic pioneers including the likes of Beuys, Twombly and Warhol fill the high-ceiling rooms in the contemporary and cool environment of the ex-station. Art-lovers especially do not want to miss out on this masterpiece of a museum!

Natural History Museum or ‘Museum für Naturkunde’

What is it?

Don’t expect to see too much exotic wildlife out and about in Berlin! However, if you are interested in nature, the Natural History Museum is the place to go. The museum houses an extensive collection of curious geological, zoological and paleontological specimens which have lived throughout history all over the world.

Why should I visit?

Greeted by a Giraffatitan skeleton in the entrance — the world’s largest mounted dinosaur skeleton — this is not your average history museum! The Natural History Museum contains stunning fossilised plants right through to frightening prehistoric beasts. This family favourite attraction frequently tops Berlin ‘to do’ lists. Ensure you allocate a long afternoon to view this wondrous exhibit.

DDR Museum

What is it?

The award-winning DDR Museum is tucked away under the bank of the River Spree. However, it has always been one of Berlin’s most popular attractions due to its unique and immersive nature. The museum depicts life in East Germany during the Cold War from an interestingly objective perspective and encourages visitors to touch, feel and interact with the exhibit.

Why should I visit?

Exploring the DDR Museum gives a fascinating snapshot of life in the communist DDR in a completely immersive setting. Visitors gain a rich understanding of Berlin’s past whilst ‘lost’ in this uncanny environment. The exhibition covers topics including the wall, family life, work, sport and leisure, the Stasi and punishment and prison. You’re encouraged to discover and learn in a ‘hands on’ fashion, as opposed to reading yet another placard stuck to the wall, entertaining whilst educating.

Berlin Dungeon

What is it?

If you’re feeling brave, journey through 800 years of history inside the dark depths of Berlin Dungeon. The attraction is highly interactive for all your senses and also includes coordinated special effects, stage scenes, rides and an incredible cast of comedic and creepy ‘inmates’. The Dungeon museums are always well-received by tourists around the world for their unique and fun take on history.

Why should I visit?

Berlin Dungeon is one of the city’s more light-hearted museum which promotes having a laugh (and a scream) whilst learning about the terrifying dungeons and their past residents. You can even meet some of Berlin’s most notorious criminals who were once held within. You are fully immersed in the 360-degree settings of the museum, and with 11 interactive shows, 2 underground rides and a whole load of crazy stories, Berlin Dungeon is a thrilling attraction!

German Museum of Technology or ‘Deutsches Technikmuseum’

What is it?

The German Museum of Technology is “a museum for explorers!” and one of the most visited attractions in the capital. Its impressive size packs in a broad spectrum of old and modern technology and you can clue up about each item with the interesting information the exhibits provide. Permanent exhibits include transport and aerospace, computers, navigation, pharmaceuticals, textiles, film and telecommunications. Leave plenty of time to check out the exclusive temporary exhibits inside the museum too!

Why should I visit?

You don’t need to have a specialist interest to enjoy visiting the Museum of Technology. The exhibits give a comprehensive view into the fascinating evolution of technology in all aspects of life; from ancient time innovation right through to the most cutting-edge tech used in our world. Many experiments and demonstrations take place daily and the museum encourages visitor participation. Next door (and included in your ticket) is the Science Center Spectrum which gives visitors more opportunities to try out more than 150 hands-on experiments in the realms of science and technology.

Typography of Terror

What is it?

Typography of Terror is a large free indoor/outdoor exhibit on the history of repression under the Nazis. The outdoor section is a chronological timeline of the rise and fall of the Nazi party and within the modern glass building, many well-preserved documents, photographs and artefacts are displayed to enrich your learning.

Why should I visit?

Acknowledging and understanding the terrible history and crime of the Nazi party is a crucial part of our education as human beings. As the museum stands on the past Gestapo headquarters, the site is a place of both remembrance and warning to history. The information within the exhibit is haunting and harrowing, but one of the best museums in the world to witness the extent of evil committed by the Nazis.

Illuseum Berlin

What is it?

A one-of-a-kind museum, full of mind-boggling optical illusions, rooms and games. Have fun interacting with the exhibits discovering the complexity of your brain, whilst also realising how easily it can be deceived. The dizzy-fying displays are “a playful reminder that our assumptions about the world are often nothing but illusions.”

Why should I visit?

There is nothing else like Illuseum in Berlin! The museum provides a great lesson in understanding the intricacies of the human brain and how easily our vision and perception can be altered and tricked through its amusing and awesome illusions. Highlights include the terrifying Vortex Tunnel and Ames room. Illuseum is suitable for all ages.