A brief history of Berlin’s art ecosystem
Berlin, the largest city in Germany, has a dynamic art ecosystem. As of 2011, Berlin is home to more than 400 art galleries and 138 museums. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Berlin has established itself as a haven for international artists.
The Gemäldegalerie opened in 1830, is an art museum in Berlin that comprises the world’s leading European paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, which include the masterpieces of artists like Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, Hans Holbein, Rogier van der Weyden, Jan van Eyck and more. The Neue Nationalgalerie (The New National Gallery), built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is a modern art museum focused on 20th-century European paintings. The Bauhaus Archive, founded in 1960, is a state archive and design museum that collects art pieces, items, documents, and literature related to the Bauhaus School (1919–1933) and puts them on public display. Then, the Berggruen Museum, a collection of modern art classics, houses the collection of 20th-century collector Heinz Berggruen. The museum also features an extensive collection of works by famous artists like Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, and Giacometti.
The Hamburger Bahnhof in Moabit exhibits a major collection of Berlin’s modern and contemporary Art. The expanded Deutsches Historisches Museum reopened in the Zeughaus is devoted to German history spanning more than a millennium. As the French artist Georges Braque eloquently stated, “Art is a wound turned into light. ” This speaks to the ability of Berlin’s artists to transform the pain and upheaval of their experiences into powerful artistic statements.
Berlin also displays large quantities of urban street art, which has become a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage and has its roots in the graffiti scene of Kreuzberg in the 1980s. And just as Berlin champions artistic expression and fosters a diverse and inclusive art environment, Elisium Art also offers a global platform for emerging artists, particularly those from emerging regions.
Must visit museums for art lovers in Berlin
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Neue Nationalgalerie
Address: Potsdamer Str. 50, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Admission: €14
The Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery) is a museum of 20th-century art, opened in 1968. The gallery is considered an icon of classical modernism. It displays key works by 20th-century European and North American artists, including Francis Bacon, Max Beckmann, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and many others.
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East Side Gallery
Adress: Mühlenstraße, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Admission: Free
The East Side Gallery is a permanent open-air gallery that features 105 paintings by artists from all over the world, including Jim Avignon, Thierry Noir, and more.
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Alte Nationalgalerie
Address: Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
Admission: €12.00
The Alte Nationalgalerie is home to paintings and sculptures of the 19th Century. It includes works by French impressionists and early modernists. Among the most important exhibits are Friedrich's "Der Mönch am Meer” (The Monk by the Sea) and von Menzel's “Eisenwalzwerk” (The Iron Rolling Mill).
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Hamburger Bahnhof
Address: Invalidenstraße 50-51, 10557 Berlin, Germany
Admission: €16.00
This museum is dedicated to contemporary Art. It is a part of the National Gallery Berlin. It also comprises 15 key works of artist Joseph Beuys' permanent works.
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Berlin Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Berlin's art scene is a dynamic tapestry of historical treasures and contemporary expressions, offering a captivating experience for art enthusiasts. Elisium Art has mindfully designed this two-day itinerary for art lovers to immerse themselves in the city's artistic heart, from world-renowned museums to hidden gems, all while keeping their budgets in mind.
Day 1: Museum Island and Historical Treasures
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Morning
Begin your art journey on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Museum Island is home to five museums: the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum. Start by exploring the Altes Museum and the Neues Museum. The Altes Museum houses an excellent collection of antiquities, including old master paintings, prints, and drawings. Altes Museum’s one of the highlights is a Greek glass amphora from the 2nd half of the 2nd century BC, originally from Olbia. Make sure to check the second floor for special exhibitions. Also, the Neues Museum, built in the 19th century, is home to the Egyptian Museum. Its main attraction, the Nefertiti Bust, is just one part of the museum’s extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities, which includes sculpture, a vast collection of papyrus texts, and literary works.
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Afternoon
Next, visit the Bode-Museum, formerly known as the Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum. This museum houses two collections: the Sculpture Collection and the Museum of Byzantine Art. Some of the collections feature an array of masterpieces, such as Donatello’s “Pazzi Madonna” and Antonio Canova’s “Dancer.” Then explore the Pergamon Museum, which is home to impressive ancient artefacts. It also contains other large archaeological structures, including the Market Gate of Miletus and the Ishtar Gate. The Alte Nationalgalerie is also to 19th-century paintings and sculptures. The Gallery has the works of Johan Christian Dahl, Caspar David Friedrich, Josef Danhauser, and more.
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Mid-Afternoon
After a creative exploration, try taking a break from museums and then head to explore the Mitte district, the historical heart of Berlin. Discover charming cafes and unique shops and perhaps stumble upon smaller galleries or art studios there. Explore Arminiusmarkthalle, a now-listed market hall with a diverse range of eateries, tempting visitors with Austrian delights, southern cuisine, and fresh fish and seafood. It also offers art, crafts and events as well.
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Evening
Consider a visit to the Boros Collection, a private collection of contemporary art housed in a former bunker. The collection comprises paintings, sculptures, and photography by international artists. Artists whose work is currently on display include Julian Charrière, Eliza Douglas, Anne Imhof, and many others. Then Enjoy dinner in a traditional German restaurant or explore the diverse culinary scene in Mitte. Consider a performance at the Berliner Ensemble, a German theatre company, or at the Deutsche Oper for a taste of Berlin’s performing arts.
Day 2: Contemporary Explorations and Urban Delights
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Morning
Visit the Hamburger Bahnhof, a museum dedicated to contemporary art with collections from the 1960s to the present day. It is a former Berlin—Hamburg Railway terminus built in Neoclassical architecture. Explore its collection, featuring works by renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Joseph Beuys. After exploring the museum, take a short walk to the nearby government district. Here, you can see the seat of power where Germany’s most important decisions are made, including the Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery), the Reichstag building, and the offices of MPs and the Bundestag.
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Afternoon
Immerse yourself in Berlin’s vibrant street art scene. Take a self-guided art tour and explore areas like Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, known for their colourful murals and graffiti art. You can also consider taking a guided street art tour for exploring Bansky Street Art in Berlin to see 34 artworks that are believed to be his. See other artists’ works and learn more about the artists and the stories behind their works on your tour.
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Mid-Afternoon
Discover the independent galleries and artist-led spaces in neighbourhoods like Neukölln. Some of the Galleries you can consider visiting at Neukölln are Luisa Catucci Gallery, KINDL, or the Puppentheatre Museum. These areas offer a glimpse into Berlin’s alternative and experimental art scene. Or you can also consider visiting the Gemäldegalerie, which houses a selection of paintings belonging to the Berlin State Museum. It holds a leading collection of European paintings, including masterpieces by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach, Hans Holbein, Rogier van der Weyden, and many others.
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Evening
Head to Schoenhauser Allee Arcaden, a shopping centre housing retail chains, grocery store, a public librabrary and more. Then enjoy a final dinner in a trendy restaurant or explore the diverse culinary scene in Prenzlauer Berg. You will also find kid-friendly cafes in Prenzlauer Berg. Also, consider visiting a local bar or club to experience Berlin’s vibrant nightlife to wrap up your day.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
Berlin’s tourist highlights can be discovered much more easily by Bus and Train. The M100, M200, and M300 bus routes from Alexanderplatz to Bahnhof Zoo, in particular, pass the most important sightseeing attractions.
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Pro-Tip
Pro Tip for budget-conscious travellers: take advantage of some institutions’ free museum days or evenings. Also, consider purchasing a Berlin Welcome Card for discounted entry to multiple museums and attractions and a Museum Pass Berlin grants you free access to 50 other museums in Berlin.
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Secret Weapon
The Alte Nationalgalerie, which hosts a variety of tourist buses to make your journey convenient. Additionally, several galleries and museums, such as the Berlinische Galerie and the East Side Gallery, offer free audio guides, enriching your experience and providing valuable context for the art you’re viewing. Taking advantage of these resources can make your museum visits even more rewarding.
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
While you’ve explored the artistic wonders of Berlin, remember that the world of Art extends far beyond the city limits. Elisium Art specialises in connecting collectors with exceptional contemporary Art from emerging artists worldwide. Its curated online platform provides a seamless and personalized experience for acquiring original fine Art. Whether you were captivated by the masterpieces at the Pergamon Museum, inspired by the contemporary works at the Hamburger Bahnhof, or intrigued by Berlin’s Street art scene, Elisium Art offers a way to discover exceptional Art from around the globe and build a truly international collection.
