Exploring museums is one of my favourite things to do and Berlin has no shortage of them. With more than 150 museums, including many free options, the selection can be overwhelming. To make it easier, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best free museums in Berlin!
From ancient history and fine art to sports and Berlin’s political past, the city offers a museum for every interest! This guide also includes details about a couple of tourist cards you can buy. These cards provide free entry to some museums and discounted entry to many more.
The best free museums in Berlin
What you need to know
- Are any museums in Berlin free? Yes! Over 30 museums in Berlin are free with many more having free entry on Museum Sunday.
- What day are museums free in Berlin? Many museums are free on Museum Sunday, the first Sunday of every month.
- Is the Museum Pass worth it in Berlin? If you’re planning on visiting a lot of museums, absolutely! With the pass giving free entry over 3 days it gives you time to plan and space out your visits. Depending on your chosen destinations, just one museum per day can easily make the pass more than worthwhile
Museum Sunday
When talking about free museums in Berlin, it’s worth knowing about Museum Sunday. Every first Sunday of the month, many museums offer free admission making it an ideal time for a visit. This initiative was established to inspire people to explore the city’s rich culture and history and is widely popular. If visiting a museum on this day it’s recommended to book online in advance where possible.
Berlin Welcome Card and Museum pass
While it does come with an initial cost, the Berlin Welcome Card provides substantial discounts for over 50 museums and even free access to select ones, including those on Museum Island. If you’re planning on visiting a lot of museums in Berlin this is a great option to help keep costs low! In addition to discounted and free museum entry, the card also offers discounts on travel, in restaurants and at plenty of other attractions.
Another great option is the Berlin Museum Pass which gives free entry to over 30 museums for 3 days including Museum Island!
Museum Island
I can’t make a post about museums in Berlin without featuring Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the city’s top attractions. Hosting five of Berlin’s best museums, entry fees usually apply, but with the Berlin Welcome Card Museum Island, admission to all becomes free. Here’s a quick overview of each of the museums:
- The Pergamon Museum: Best known for housing the incredible Market Gate of Miletus, the Pergamon Museum is a must-see. It is also home to the Museum of Islamic Art and the Museum of the Ancient Near East.
- The Bode Museum: One for sculpture lovers, the Bode Museum is home to seemingly endless sculptures and an impressive collection of over 4000 coins.
- The Neues Museum: Unmissable for lovers of Egyptian artefacts, the Neues Museum is most famous for featuring the Nefertiti bust.
- The Altes Museum: Featuring art, sculptures, vases and over 1000 coins, this is definitely one for antique lovers.
- The AlteNationalgalerie: The AlteNationalgalerie is home to some truly incredible artwork including pieces from Monet and Renoir.
Jewish Museum Berlin
One of the most popular free museums in Berlin, the Jewish Museum Berlin is a vibrant showcase of the rich history of Jews in the city. The museum boasts a myriad of exhibits providing insight into the lives of Jewish residents throughout the years. Its intricate design and compelling displays collaborate to craft a compelling and impactful experience for its visitors.
Allied Museum
For those interested in Berlin’s political past, the Allied Museum is a great option. Exploring the influence of Berlin’s allies on the city and their enduring legacy, the museum features some exciting exhibits such as a section of a spy tunnel and a French military train cart. This is an ideal choice for those keen on delving into the city’s historical narrative.
Berlin Sports Museum
The Berlin Sports Museum houses the largest sports collection in Germany, boasting over 100,000 objects. With a diverse range of exhibits, it provides insight into Berlin’s sports culture, highlighting iconic moments, athletes, and the role of sports in shaping the city’s identity. If you want to explore a different side of the city, this is a great choice for a free museum in Berlin.
Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)
Though not technically a museum, there’s still plenty to see in the Berlin Cathedral, and the best part is, entry is free! The intricate architectural craftsmanship showcased both within and outside the Cathedral is a sight not to be overlooked. Inside, you’ll find incredible paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and models portraying biblical stories. A highlight of the visit is the Hohenzollern Crypt, recognized as one of Europe’s most important dynastic burial grounds.
Neukölln Museum
Located in the heart of the Neukölln district, the Neukölln Museum offers a journey through the evolving history and transformation of this Berlin area. The highlight is the “99 x Neukölln” permanent exhibition, presenting 99 objects that narrate the district’s history and the daily lives of its residents. With new and exciting temporary exhibitions constantly popping up, this is a great choice for a free museum in Berlin!
Topography of Terror
The Topography of Terror offers an insight into the crimes and terror orchestrated by those in authority in Berlin and the roles they played in the Nazi regime. The site once housed the Reich Security Main Office and was the headquarters of the Secret State Police. Now the museum covers a broad range of subjects from the role of propaganda to post-war life. The longest surviving section of the Berlin Wall within central Berlin can also be found here. This is one of my favourite free museums in Berlin and is well worth a visit!
Mitte Museum
The Mitte Museum tells the story of the Mitte district, the heart of Berlin. Housed in a former school building, the Mitte Museum vividly illustrates the transformations and developments that shaped life in this area throughout the 19th century. If you’re interested in how this area of the city has grown involved this is a great visit!
More museums
Looking for more options? Here are some other great free museums in Berlin:
- Haus am Lutzowplatz: A cultural hub for contemporary art, Haus am Lutzowplatz boasts two exhibition spaces filled with incredible work from a wide range of artists.
- Nazi forced labour documentation centre: The Documentation Center for Nazi Forced Labor is a compelling destination for history enthusiasts in Berlin. The site ensures the names and stories of those who were forced into labour under the Nazi regime aren’t forgotten.
- Otto Weidts Workshop for the blind: A small museum, but one which tells the important story of Otto Weidt, a brush maker who protected blind Jews from capture. Here you can learn about Otto’s life and how he managed to deceive the Nazis.
- Abguss-Sammlung Antiker Plastik: An impressive collection of over 2000 casts of Greek and Roman sculptures, this is a unique experience you won’t easily find elsewhere!
- Checkpoint Charlie: While not necessarily a museum, but more of an experience, this place is still worth visiting. Checkpoint Charlie is a replica of the border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It provides an interesting insight into a pivotal historical era, a must-see!
Summary
Berlin has a huge variety of museums just waiting to be explored. With so many great museums offering free entry, there really is something available for everyone here. So what are you waiting for? Time to start exploring!
