Neues Museum (New Museum)

The impressive Neues Museum features over 9,000 objects from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages across Europe and the Middle East. In addition to the bust of Nefertiti, museum highlights include Egyptian mummies, barbarian pirate’s trove from the third century, and the Berlin Green Head, an Egyptian sculpture from around 350 BC. The building itself is noteworthy, with war damage incorporated into the reconstruction instead of covered over.

Some guided tours that visit the Neues Museum include skip-the-line admission to the Neues and Pergamon museums with the Museum Island day pass. Those who want to set their own itinerary can book individual tickets or purchase the Berlin Pass, which includes entry to over 50 attractions and museums, or the 3-day Museum Pass Berlin, which includes more than 30 museums.

• The Neues Museum is a must for pre- and early history enthusiasts.

• Book your timed ticket ahead of time to skip the line if you plan to visit independently.

• The entire museum’s exhibitions and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.

• Audio guides are available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.

The Neues Museum is located in Berlin Mitte on Museum Island. No parking is available, so the most convenient way to arrive is on foot from other nearby sights such as the Pergamon Museum or by public transit. Take the S-bahn to Hackescher Markt, tram M1 or 12 to Georgenstrasse/Am Kupfergraben, or bus 100 or 200 to Lustgarten.

The Neues Museum is one of Berlin’s most popular sights, and ticket lines can be long, especially during the summer months. Visit the museum first thing in the morning—prereserved timed ticket in hand—and head directly to the Nefertiti exhibit for the best shot at an uncrowded viewing. Thursday evening, when the museum stays open late, is another opportunity to avoid the usual crowds. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Built as an overflow building to the Altes Museum (Old Museum) in the mid-1800s, the Neues Museum is now home to the well-known bust of Nefertiti, queen of Egypt. Additional prized artifacts on display include silver vessels from Priam’s Treasure thought to be from ancient Troy; the late–Bronze Age Berlin Gold Hat, a gold-leaf covering that stands almost 30 inches (75 cm) high; and a 700,000-year-old axe from the earliest Stone Age.