Neues Museum

The restored Neues Museum on Museum Island houses the Egyptian collection, star of which is the 3,300-year-old Bust of Nefertiti. David Chipperfield's sensitive reconstruction of the war-ruined building is itself a highlight. Photography is banned in the Nefertiti room and lines can be long, so pre-book a timed ticket.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How is it different from the other Museum Island museums?

The Neues is the Egyptian and prehistory museum, so it's antiquities-focused, whereas the Alte Nationalgalerie is 19th-century painting and the Bode is sculpture. If you want Nefertiti and ancient Egypt specifically, this is the one to prioritise.

What else is in the museum besides Nefertiti?

A lot. The Egyptian Museum's papyri and sculpture, the Museum of Prehistory and Early History (including the Berlin Gold Hat), and the gorgeously restored building itself, David Chipperfield's reconstruction after WWII damage is a highlight in its own right.

Can I photograph Nefertiti?

No, photography of the Nefertiti bust is prohibited, and staff enforce it. You can photograph most of the rest of the collection without flash. Just enjoy the Queen with your eyes, put the phone away in Room 210.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, mummies, ancient Egypt, and shiny gold artefacts tend to captivate children, and under-18s enter free. It's not a hands-on museum, but the subject matter carries a lot of young visitors. A couple of hours is about their limit.

How long should I budget?

Between 1.5 and 2.5 hours does it comfortably, more if you're an Egyptology enthusiast. Many people also combine it with another Museum Island building on the same day ticket, so plan accordingly.

When is it least crowded?

Arrive right at 10:00 opening or come after 14:00 on a weekday, and you'll get a far quieter moment with Nefertiti and the galleries. The Nefertiti room stays busy all day, so early really does pay off. It's closed Mondays.

How much are Neues Museum tickets?

Adult entry is about 14 euros, with reduced admission around 7 euros for students and seniors, and children under 18 free. It's also covered by the Museumsinsel-Ticket (24 euros) and the Museum Pass Berlin. Book a timed slot online in busy periods.

Is Nefertiti really here?

Yes, the famous painted limestone bust of Queen Nefertiti, around 3,300 years old, is the museum's star, displayed in her own room (Room 210). She's smaller in person than photos suggest but genuinely mesmerising. No photography is allowed of the bust itself.

Nearby in Ask Berlin

• Museum Island (Museumsinsel)Attraction0.08 km · 1 min walk
• Deutsches Historisches MuseumMuseum0.17 km · 2 min walk
• Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)Attraction0.24 km · 3 min walk
• Pergamon MuseumAttraction0.28 km · 3 min walk
• DDR MuseumMuseum0.34 km · 4 min walk