Imagine the awe-inspiring sight of the colossal blue gates of Babylon or strolling through the magnificent arches of a bustling Roman marketplace. These aren’t scenes from a movie; they’re everyday possibilities at the incredible Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
But there’s one big catch… The entire museum won’t reopen fully until at least 2037.
Around the summer of 2023, I read online about the construction work planned for the Pergamon Museum. And when I realized that it would be closed for several years, I had to book a visit just to say goodbye to this place, one of my favorite museums in Berlin. My last time there was in October 2023, and I only realized I had to write something about it now.
My history with the Pergamon Museum goes back to my first visit to the city in the summer of 2011. I was still living in Brazil then, and that trip was my way of exploring the city before deciding whether to move here. The museum was on my plans, and I loved every minute since it was the first time I had ever seen so many historical artifacts simultaneously.
Hurry, The Clocks Are Ticking!
The Pergamon Museum is renowned, and for good reason. Unfortunately, a massive renovation means it’s about to go partially off-limits for years. Some parts completely closed in late 2023 and won’t reopen fully until at least 2037.
The iconic Pergamon Altar will be back on display in 2027. Still, the dazzling Ishtar Gate won’t be accessible again until all construction work is finalized.
What is the Pergamon Museum?
Nestled on Berlin’s world-famous Museum Island – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Pergamon Museum is like a treasure chest for ancient history buffs. This powerhouse museum holds some of the most jaw-dropping archaeological wonders ever discovered.
Treasures Inside the Museum
The Pergamon Museum is divided into three amazing collections. First is the glorious Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities), where you can get up close with stunning Greek and Roman sculptures, temples, and fascinating everyday objects.
There is the Vorderasiatisches Museum (Museum of the Ancient Near East), where you can unearth the secrets of ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon, Assyria, and more. Finally, there is the Museum für Islamische Kunst (Museum of Islamic Art), where you can see centuries of beautiful Islamic treasures from across the globe.
Between those collections, there are a lot of fantastic historical artifacts that make this place unique. Here’s a sneak peek at what makes the Pergamon Museum so memorable for me:
- The Pergamon Altar: A towering monument from ancient Greece that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
- The Ishtar Gate and Processional Way: Imagine strolling along a vibrant blue pathway adorned with mythical creatures from ancient Babylon.
- The Market Gate of Miletus: Explore the ruins of a colossal Roman marketplace.
- The Aleppo Room: Step into a beautifully decorated Syrian reception room.
What’s With the Long Construction?
The Pergamon Museum’s pieces aren’t just a few framed paintings – they’re massive architectural wonders. Taking them apart to fix the building is risky, meaning the renovations take a long time. The Pergamon Museum suffered some battle damage during the Second World War and wasn’t restored in a way that would last through the years. So, everything is exceptionally complicated.
And the project is also super expensive. But the good news is, once done, all of Museum Island will be connected, making visits even smoother.
Is the Pergamon Museum Still Worth Visiting?
If your Berlin trip happens before 2027, seeing even a portion of the Pergamon is still a must-do. This is a chance to witness some of the world’s most incredible artifacts up close. But after 2027, it’ll be the experience of a lifetime!
My last visit to the Pergamon Museum was extremely special to me. It was the first time after all the issues brought up by the COVID-10 pandemic that I could go there, and it felt like I was visiting an old friend. I remembered many objects before me, and creating new memories was fantastic.
Now, I’m curious how I will feel when I see them again. It will be historical, and I’m looking forward to seeing it all again in 2037. Let’s hope the construction work goes differently than the BER airport that opened 10 years late and three times over budget!
The Pergamon Museum is a Berlin bucket-list item, but timing is everything. Careful planning is critical if you love history and want to avoid disappointment.
The Pergamon Museum: A Berlin Must-See…But Plan Ahead
Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin
