Museums & Galleries

Pergamonmuseum

Berlin, Germany
Pergamonmuseum

Berlin, Germany

View on Google Maps

Berlin’s legendary museum of monumental ancient worlds — but with an important 2026 note: Pergamonmuseum is currently closed for renovation. Its spirit is still visitable through Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama, while the main building prepares for a major reopening in 2027.

The Pergamonmuseum is one of Museum Island’s most famous institutions, known for architectural-scale treasures from antiquity and the Middle East, including the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, the Ishtar Gate and the Processional Way of Babylon. The main museum building has been completely closed since 2023 as part of a major renovation and modernization project. A large part is scheduled to reopen on 4 June 2027, including the Pergamon Altar and parts of the Antikensammlung and Museum für Islamische Kunst.

For now, the key visitor alternative is Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama, a temporary exhibition space opposite Museum Island that uses a 360-degree panorama by Yadegar Asisi, together with antique originals from Pergamon, to recreate the ancient city and bring the Pergamon Altar into its wider urban context.

Image credit

© Pergamonmuseum

What you’ll see here

In 2026, you should not plan a visit to the main Pergamonmuseum building expecting the classic halls. They are closed. Instead, choose Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama if you want a Pergamon-related experience while the museum is under renovation.

You may encounter:

  • A large-scale 360º reconstruction of ancient Pergamon
  • Original antique works connected to the Pergamon context
  • A more immersive introduction to the Pergamon Altar
  • A good alternative while the museum building is closed
  • A Museum Island-adjacent experience, easy to combine with Neues Museum, Altes Museum or Bode-Museum

Worth the trip

Yes — but with a major condition.

The full Pergamonmuseum is one of the great museum experiences in Europe because it does something rare: it does not only show ancient objects, it reconstructs entire architectural worlds. Gates, façades, altars and processional spaces make antiquity feel physical and almost cinematic.

For Artlovers, the current message should be honest: the legendary museum is not fully available right now, but its absence is part of Berlin’s cultural story. In 2026, go for Das Panorama if you want the Pergamon atmosphere; save the full museum experience for the reopening from June 2027 onward.

ArtLovers Tip

Be very clear in the listing: “Pergamonmuseum — closed for renovation until 4 June 2027; visit Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama instead.” This avoids disappointing travelers who arrive expecting the Ishtar Gate or the full monumental halls.

For 2026, this is a replacement / alternative visit, not the full Pergamonmuseum experience. Allow around 60–90 minutes for Pergamonmuseum. Das Panorama.

The main museum’s partial reopening is planned for 4 June 2027, while some areas, including the south wing with the Ishtar Gate and Processional Way, are expected to remain closed much longer.

Travelling to Berlin?

Join our community of art enthusiasts and discover the best exhibitions and museums in Berlin. Get personalized recommendations and never miss a must-see show again.

Join us