Pergamon Museum Review – Berlin

The Pergamon Museum, located in Berlin, Germany, is one of the most iconic and significant museums in the world. It is home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, art pieces, and architectural wonders from different eras and civilizations. The museum’s main focus is on the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, and the Middle East, featuring exhibits like the Pergamon Altar, Ishtar Gate, and the Market Gate of Miletus. Visitors to the museum have the opportunity to explore these fascinating exhibits and learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of the people who created them. The Pergamon Museum is an essential destination for those who are passionate about ancient civilizations and their contributions to the world today.

Location Of The Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is located on Museum Island in Berlin, Germany. The address is Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin.

Cost Of The Pergamon Museum

According to the official website of the Pergamon Museum Berlin, the general admission fee is €19, while reduced admission tickets for students and senior citizens cost €9.50. Children and teenagers under the age of 18 can enter the museum free of charge. It is always best to check the official website for up-to-date information on admission prices and other details before visiting.

The Exhibits at Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Altar

The Pergamon Altar is a monumental structure from ancient Greece that is now housed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. The altar was built in the 2nd century BC and was dedicated to Zeus and Athena.

The altar was discovered in the ancient city of Pergamon, which is now modern-day Turkey. The original structure was over 100 feet wide and 35 feet tall, making it one of the most impressive ancient structures in the world.

© Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

The altar is made from marble and is decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The most famous of these scenes is the Gigantomachy, which depicts the battle between the gods and the giants.

The altar was excavated by German archaeologists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was then transported to Berlin and reconstructed in the Pergamon Museum, which opened in 1930.

Today, the Pergamon Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin, with visitors from all over the world coming to see the impressive Pergamon Altar and other artifacts from ancient civilizations.

The Ishtar Gate

The Ishtar Gate is a stunning archaeological treasure found in ancient Babylon and considered to be one of the most impressive structures of the ancient world. The gate was built during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BCE) and served as the ceremonial entrance to the city of Babylon.

The gate was constructed using a unique blue glazed brick, decorated with reliefs of animals and symbols. The animals depicted on the gate were believed to hold spiritual significance, with the lion representing the goddess Ishtar. The gate was rediscovered during archaeological excavations in the early 20th century, and subsequently shipped to the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, where it stands today.

Today, visitors can visit the Pergamon Museum and immerse themselves in the ancient world by viewing the reconstructed Ishtar Gate. The gate stands an impressive 14 meters tall and features incredible detail, with carefully crafted reliefs of animals and intricate designs adorning the walls. The gate is a testament to the advanced architectural skills of the ancient Babylonians, as well as their artistic and cultural achievements.

In addition to the Ishtar Gate, the Pergamon Museum also houses a variety of other ancient artifacts and works of art from around the world, making it a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

The Market Gate of Miletus

The Market Gate of Miletus is a 2nd-century CE Roman gateway that formed the entrance to the agora (marketplace) of the ancient city of Miletus in modern-day Turkey. It was dismantled in the early 20th century and transported to Germany, where it was reconstructed and put on display at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

The gate is made of white marble and stands at a height of over 17 meters. It is decorated with ornate reliefs depicting scenes from the life and mythology of ancient Greece and Rome, including the labors of Hercules, the battle of the Greeks and the Trojans, and the story of Medusa.

The Market Gate of Miletus is considered one of the finest examples of Roman architecture and art, and its discovery and reconstruction have provided significant insights into the culture and history of the ancient world. It is also a popular attraction for tourists visiting the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

The Aleppo Room

The Aleppo Room is a permanent exhibit in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. It is a reconstructed Syrian reception room from a house in Aleppo that dates back to the 17th century. The room was originally built with carved wooden panels and elaborate painted decorations.

The Aleppo Room was brought to Germany in 1905 by archaeologist Max von Oppenheim, who was responsible for many of the Pergamon Museum’s Middle Eastern exhibits. In 2012, the room underwent extensive restoration work to conserve the delicate wooden panels and restore the original colors of the painted decorations.

Today, visitors to the museum can see the Aleppo Room as it would have appeared in a Syrian home hundreds of years ago. The room contains intricate wooden carvings, a painted wooden ceiling, and a central fountain. It is a beautiful example of traditional Syrian architecture and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Aleppo.

The Ancient Near East

The Pergamon Museum in Berlin houses collections of ancient artefacts from the Ancient Near East, including those from ancient Babylon, Assyria, and Persia. The museum was opened in 1930 and showcases reconstructions of monumental structures such as the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Market Gate of Miletus.

The museum’s highlights include the Babylonian and Assyrian rooms, which contain monumental sculptures, reliefs, and architectural components from the ancient cities of Nineveh and Babylon. Among the collection are the famous Ishtar Gate and Processional Way, made from glazed blue bricks decorated with reliefs of lions, bulls, and dragons in vibrant colours.

The Pergamon Museum also houses the Islamic Art Museum, which displays artefacts from the Islamic world, including ceramics, metalwork, and textiles. Its collection of carpets and textiles is considered one of the best in the world.

The museum was extensively damaged during World War II, and much of the collection has been restored. However, some artefacts are still undergoing restoration, and visitors can observe the restoration process in the museum’s restoration workshop.

The Pergamon Museum is one of five museums on Berlin’s Museum Island and is a popular destination for tourists and scholars interested in ancient Near Eastern history and art.

The Hellenistic Collection

The Hellenistic Collection at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin is a world-renowned collection of Greek art and artifacts from the Hellenistic period (323 BC – 31 BC). The collection includes ancient sculptures, friezes, and reliefs from the Greek cities of Pergamon, Athens, and Halikarnassos, as well as works from the ancient city of Miletus.

Some of the most famous works in the collection include the Pergamon Altar, the huge frieze depicting the Battle between the Giants and the Olympian gods, and the colossal statue of Athena Parthenos from the acropolis in Athens.

The Pergamon Altar, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is the highlight of the collection and one of the most well-known works of Greek art in the world. The altar depicts the battle between the gods and the giants and is adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs.

Another famous work is the Athena Parthenos, a colossal statue of the goddess Athena, which stood over 40 feet tall when it was originally installed on the Athenian acropolis. The statue is made of ivory and gold and is one of the largest works of ancient Greek sculpture.

Overall, the Hellenistic Collection Pergamon Museum is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts, providing an impressive glimpse into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Greece.

The Roman Collection

The Roman Collection at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin is one of the most prominent collections of Roman antiquities in the world. The museum is known for its impressive archaeological artifacts from ancient Rome, including sculptures, glass, pottery, and jewelry.

The exhibition is divided into several sections, each showcasing a different aspect of ancient Roman life. Visitors can explore the Roman Empire’s significance, the art and architecture, its military might, and the daily life of the common people.

One of the most notable exhibits is the monumental Roman market gate of Miletus, which dates back to the second century AD. The gate is an intricately carved structure adorned with sculptures of people and animals. Other iconic pieces include a large marble statue of the Roman goddess Fortuna and a well-preserved ancient organ that is still played in concerts today.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions that explore different aspects of the Roman Empire and the activities of its people. Overall, the Roman Collection at the Pergamon Museum provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and legacy of one of the world’s most powerful empires.

The Byzantine Collection

The Byzantine Collection at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin is one of the largest collections of Byzantine art and artefacts in the world. The museum contains over 1,500 objects, including architectural fragments, mosaics, sculptures, and metalwork.

The collection includes a spectacular display of Byzantine architecture, such as the façade of the early Christian basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. Visitors can also see a replica of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, including the main dome, galleries, and narthex.

One of the most impressive pieces in the collection is the Mosaic of the Heavenly City, which depicts the city of Jerusalem in intricate detail. The mosaic measures over 31 feet by 13 feet and was originally part of the apse of a church in Constantinople.

The collection also includes a large number of icons, including the famous Icon of the Virgin, a gold and enamel piece that dates back to the 11th century. Other highlights include the 6th-century ivory carvings of the Harbaville Triptych and the Barberini Ivory.

Visitors to the Byzantine Collection at the Pergamon Museum can learn about the history and culture of the Byzantine Empire while admiring some of the most beautiful and intricate art and architecture from this period.

The Numismatic Collection

The Numismatic Collection at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin is one of the most significant coin collections in the world. With a collection of over 500,000 coins, it houses coins from ancient Greece and Rome, Byzantium, Islamic, and European medieval times, as well as modern coins. The collection also includes medals, seals, and weights and measures.

The most famous coins in the collection are the Hellenistic gold coins, including the Lydian lion coins and the Ptolemaic tetradrachms. These coins have been expertly preserved and give insight into the monetary history of the Hellenistic period.

The Byzantine coin collection is also extensive, featuring coins from the 5th to 15th centuries. These include bronze and gold coins from the reigns of Justinian and Heraclius, as well as anonymous folles and the famous gold solidus coin.

The Islamic collection of the museum focuses on coins from the Umayyad and Abbasid empires and features heavy gold dinars and silver dirhams.

The European medieval coin collection comprises coins from the 5th to the 16th centuries, with a particular focus on Germanic and Italian mints. The modern coin collection includes coins from the 16th century to the present day, primarily from Germany, France, and England.

Overall, the Numismatic Collection at the Pergamon Museum gives a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of money and its importance in shaping world history.

The History of the Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum was originally opened in 1901 and had only three exhibits. The idea behind it was to bring together the vast collection of ancient art from around the world that was owned by Germany’s royal family. The museum began to expand its collection and build new exhibits, with the Pergamon Altar being added in 1930.

During World War II, the museum suffered immense damage, and many of its exhibits were destroyed. However, the German restoration team managed to salvage the most significant pieces. In the 1980s, reconstruction efforts began on the damaged exhibits, and by the late 1990s, the museum was completely restored.

Visiting the Pergamon Museum

If you’re planning to visit the Pergamon Museum, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:

• Book your tickets in advance to avoid queuing on the day.
• Take a guided tour to get a better understanding of the history of each exhibit.
• Visit the museum early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Restaurants Near The Museum

1. Alt-Berliner Wirtshaus: Traditional German cuisine in a historic atmosphere.

2. Zen Restaurant: Contemporary Asian cuisine with a beautiful view of the city.

3. Kartoffelkeller: Cozy restaurant specializing in potato-based dishes.

4. Zur Letzten Instanz: Oldest restaurant in Berlin serving classic German dishes.

5. Aigner: Austrian-German cuisine with a modern twist.

6. Pauly Saal: High-end restaurant serving modern European cuisine.

7. Alpenstück: Rustic Bavarian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.

8. Clärchens Ballhaus: Historic ballroom with a restaurant serving German cuisine.

9. Restaurant Sankt Oberholz: Hip café and restaurant popular with locals, serving seasonal dishes.

10. Monsieur Vuong: Trendy Vietnamese restaurant with a lively atmosphere.

Hotels Close By

• Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie
• Hotel Gat Point Charlie
• Mercure Hotel Berlin City
• Hotel Novotel Berlin Mitt
• Titanic Comfort Mitte Hote
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin
• The Mandala Hotel
• Hilton Berlin
• Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
• Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt Berlin

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pergamon Museum in Berlin is a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts. Its impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including the famous Ishtar Gate and the Pergamon Altar, provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient civilizations. With its captivating exhibits, visitors can experience the grandeur of the past and marvel at the ingenuity of human engineering and artistry. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore world-class art and history at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. Plan your visit today!

Frequently Asked Questions