Discover Berlin's Top Art and Design Museums: a 2024 guide for art lovers
Written by Esin Küçük and edited by Cedric Rutten, October 2023, updated January 2024
Berlin is a city where art flourishes in all forms, from historic collections to avant-garde installations. Known for its innovative spirit and rich cultural history, Berlin is a paradise for art enthusiasts.
This guide to the best art museums and design galleries in Berlin highlights the must-visit spots where classical masterpieces meet contemporary expressions.
Whether you’re captivated by German Expressionism or the Bauhaus legacy, or simply want to explore the Berlin art scene, this comprehensive guide will lead you to the most inspiring art spaces across the city.
Read the full Berlin Travel Guide here
Best Museums in Berlin
1. The New National Gallery (Neue Nationalgalerie)
© A.Savin, FAL, via Wikimedia Commons
Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the New National Gallery is a testament to modernist architecture, with sleek lines, open spaces, and a striking glass-and-steel structure. This iconic building near Potsdamer Platz showcases some of the most important works of 20th-century art in Europe.
Why Visit: The New National Gallery is an essential destination for lovers of modern art and architecture. Inside, you’ll find masterpieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Dalí, while the minimalist design and serene sculpture garden create a peaceful atmosphere. Rotating exhibitions on the lower level keep the collection vibrant, offering something new with each visit.
Price: Starting from €12
Address: Potsdamer Str. 50
2. Brücke Museum
© Brücke Museum
Dedicated to the German Expressionist group "Die Brücke," the Brücke Museum is an intimate gallery nestled in the peaceful Grunewald area. It houses over 400 works, including paintings, prints, and sculptures, that capture the raw energy and vivid colors of early 20th-century German Expressionism.
Why Visit: For anyone interested in German Expressionism, the Brücke Museum is a hidden gem. This museum offers a quiet, focused space to appreciate the bold colors and emotional depth of works by artists like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Its location away from the city’s main tourist areas makes it a unique, immersive experience.
Price: €8
Address: Bussardsteig 9
3. Alte Nationalgalerie
© State Museums Berlin
The Alte Nationalgalerie, located on Berlin’s Museum Island, is a neoclassical masterpiece that houses an exceptional collection of 19th-century European art. Inside, you’ll find Romantic and Impressionist works by celebrated artists such as Monet, Friedrich, and Rodin.
Why Visit: This museum is a must for art history enthusiasts. It transports visitors to a different era with its grand architecture and displays of Romantic and Impressionist masterpieces. The Alte Nationalgalerie is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the European art legacy in one of Berlin’s most picturesque settings.
Price: €12 (or included with a Museum Island Pass)
Address: Bodestraße 1-3
4. Berlinische Galerie
© Berlinische Galerie
Housed in a former glass warehouse in Kreuzberg, the Berlinische Galerie is a dynamic museum dedicated to art created in or inspired by Berlin. Its collection spans from 1870 to the present day, blending fine art, photography, and architecture with a Berlin focus.
Why Visit: This museum offers a fascinating exploration of Berlin’s unique art scene, capturing both local and global influences over the years. With its bright and open space, the Berlinische Galerie is ideal for art lovers looking to understand the evolution of Berlin’s artistic culture in a beautifully designed setting.
Price: €10
Address: Alte Jakobstraße 124-128
5. Museum of Photography & Helmut Newton Foundation
© Lobby view inside the Helmut Newton Foundation, Berlin, Stefan Müller
Located near Bahnhof Zoo, the Museum of Photography is home to the Helmut Newton Foundation, which celebrates the life and work of Berlin-born fashion photographer Helmut Newton. This museum provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of high-fashion photography.
Why Visit: This museum is a top destination for fans of fashion and portrait photography. The permanent exhibition “Private Property” showcases Newton’s provocative and iconic work, while other floors feature rotating exhibits by other renowned photographers, offering a well-rounded visual arts experience.
Price: €10
Address: Jebensstraße 2
6. Berliner Festspiele: Gropius Bau
© Berliner Festspiele, Gropius Bau
Gropius Bau is one of Berlin’s most prestigious venues for contemporary exhibitions, housed in a neo-Renaissance building near Potsdamer Platz. Originally built as a museum for applied arts, it now hosts cutting-edge exhibitions from international artists.
Why Visit: A visit to Gropius Bau combines art and architectural history. The building itself is a work of art, while its exhibitions showcase the best in contemporary photography, installations, and multimedia art. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Berlin’s current art and cultural landscape.
Price: Starting from €15 (varies by exhibition)
Address: Niederkirchnerstraße 7
7. Hamburger Bahnhof
© State Museums Berlin
Hamburger Bahnhof, once a railway station, is now Berlin’s largest museum for contemporary art, with a collection that spans from the 1950s to today. It features works by renowned artists like Andy Warhol, Joseph Beuys, and Cy Twombly.
Why Visit: This museum is a paradise for modern art enthusiasts. Its spacious halls and rotating exhibits provide an immersive experience, where visitors can explore a range of media, from painting and sculpture to digital installations. Hamburger Bahnhof’s innovative approach makes it one of Berlin’s most exciting art destinations.
Price: €14
Address: Invalidenstraße 50-51
8. C/O Berlin
© C/O Berlin
C/O Berlin, located in the iconic Amerika Haus, is a leading venue for contemporary photography in Berlin. Known for its exhibitions by high-profile photographers like Annie Leibovitz and emerging artists, this gallery has a strong international reputation.
Why Visit: For photography lovers, C/O Berlin is an unmissable destination. Its exhibitions cover everything from fashion to documentary photography, providing a diverse look at contemporary visual culture. Regular workshops and events add to the experience, making it a lively cultural hub.
Price: €10
Address: Hardenbergstraße 22-24
9. KW Institute for Contemporary Art
© KW Institute for Contemporary Art
Located in Mitte, the KW Institute for Contemporary Art is known for its innovative and experimental exhibitions. Housed in a former margarine factory, KW has established itself as a leading force in Berlin’s avant-garde art scene.
Why Visit: KW is a destination for art enthusiasts looking to experience the avant-garde. Known for its challenging exhibitions and installations, it also hosts the Berlin Biennale, bringing together emerging and established artists. KW’s ever-evolving program keeps it at the cutting edge of contemporary art.
Price: Varies by exhibition (usually €8–€10)
Address: Auguststraße 69
10. East Side Gallery
© Berlin Wall Foundation
The East Side Gallery is an open-air mural gallery along a preserved section of the Berlin Wall. Stretching over a kilometer, this gallery features more than 100 murals by artists from all over the world, celebrating freedom and unity.
Why Visit: This outdoor gallery is a living piece of history and a must-see for visitors to Berlin. Each mural is a powerful artistic response to the city’s tumultuous past, creating a vivid and moving experience. It’s one of Berlin’s most photographed sites and a testament to its resilient spirit.
Price: Free
Address: Mühlenstraße 3-100
More travel plans? Read all our travel guides here
11. Bauhaus Archive Berlin
© Eisenacher, via Wikimedia Commons
Currently undergoing renovation, the Bauhaus Archive is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the work of the influential Bauhaus movement. Once it reopens, this museum near Tiergarten will offer an unparalleled look at Bauhaus design and innovation.
Why Visit: The Bauhaus Archive is an essential destination for design enthusiasts. Its collection includes furniture, textiles, and architectural models that trace the history of the Bauhaus school, a movement that revolutionized modern design.
(Currently closed)
Price: Expected to be around €8 upon reopening
Address: Klingelhöferstraße 14
12. Museum of Decorative Arts -Kunstgewerbemuseum
© State Museums Berlin
The Museum of Decorative Arts at the Kulturforum is Germany’s oldest museum dedicated to the decorative arts. Its vast collection includes ceramics, furniture, jewelry, and textiles, illustrating design history from medieval times to today.
Why Visit: This museum offers a beautifully curated exploration of craftsmanship across centuries. For anyone interested in the artistry behind everyday objects, the Kunstgewerbemuseum is a must-see, showcasing everything from Baroque furniture to contemporary glassware.
Price: €8
Address: Matthäikirchplatz
13. Fotografiska Berlin
© Fotografiska Berlin
Fotografiska Berlin is the newest addition to Berlin’s art scene, part of the internationally renowned Fotografiska network. Located in the vibrant Oranienburger Str., this museum is dedicated to contemporary photography.
Why Visit: Fotografiska Berlin provides a fresh perspective on photography, featuring thought-provoking exhibitions by both established and emerging photographers. It’s an immersive experience that offers more than just art; guided tours and events create an engaging cultural destination.
Price: Starting from €15
Address: Oranienburger Str. 54
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