The Neoclassical facade of the museum and the equestrian statue of Frederick William IV
The Alte Nationalgalerie (English: Old National Gallery) is one of the five museums of the Museumsinsel (English: Museum Island) and boasts one of the richest collections in terms of quality and quantity of works between the French Revolution and the First World War. Inside there are both pictorial and sculptural masterpieces from different eras, mostly attributable to neoclassicism, romanticism, impressionism and modernism.
There is no parking on the island so you will have to park near Alexander Platz or take the S-Bahn to Hackescher Markt.
Stay late at the museum on Thursdays, when it is open until 8 pm.
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What is the Alte Nationalgalerie?
It is a museum part of the Museumsinsel and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
When was the Alte Nationalgalerie built?
The museum was built between 1862 and 1876 following neoclassical and Renaissance style. The inauguration took place on March 22, 1876 in the presence of the keiser. The exterior of the building still retains its original appearance, whereas the interior has been renovated many times in order to suit the exhibits.
Who built the Alte Nationalgalerie?
The idea comes from King Frederick William IV of Prussia and Friedrich August Stüler designed the current building based on one of his sketches. After his death, it was realised in detail under the architect Carl Busse.
Why was the Alte Nationalgalerie built?
It was intended to express “the unity of art, nation, and history“, and therefore has aspects reminiscent of a church (an apse) and a theatre (the grand staircase) as well as a Roman temple. An equestrian statue of Frederick William IV tops the stairs, and the inside stairs have a frieze by Otto Geyer depicting German history from prehistoric times to the 19th century.
What to see in the Alte Nationalgalerie?
The museum houses approximately 1800 paintings and 1500 sculptures spread over the three floors of the building: they represent the largest collections of 19th-century sculptures and paintings in Germany. In the Alte Nationalgalerie there are masterpieces of the most important artists of the past such as Caspar David Friedrich, Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet and Pierre Auguste Renoir.
General informations
Useful information for your visit to the Alte Nationalgalerie.
Location
It is placed in Berlin Mitte, the historic center of Berlin. The address is: Bodestraße 1-3 10178 Berlin.
Opening hours
To visit the Alte Nationalgalerie the times are as follows:
- 10.00 – 18.00: from Tuesday to Sunday
- 10.00 – 20.00: Thursday
Closed on Monday.
How to get to the Alte Nationalgalerie
To reach the Alte Nationalgalerie:
S-Bahn: to Hackescher Markt.
Metro stop: U Museumsinsel (395 m)
Bus stops: Am Kupfergraben (284 m), Georgenstr./Am Kupfergraben (319 m), Universitatsstr. (500 m)
Attractions nearby
- Neues Museum (89 m)
- Pergamon Museum (106 m)
- Lustgarten (120 m)
- Altes Museum (151 m)
- Berlin Cathedral (164 m)
- Bode Museum (302 m)
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