Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin
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Alte Nationalgalerie - by Manfred Brückels (Public Domain)
Description
The Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery) in Berlin houses the city's collection of 19th century paintings and sculptures spanning the Neoclassical and Romantic movements of the Biedermeier period, French Impressionism and early Modernism. Some of the famous masterpieces located there include the Iron Rolling Mill by von Menzel and The Monk by the Sea by Friedrich. The building was designed in a mix of Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival style with an apse (like a church), a grand staircase (like a theatre) and the facade of a temple. It was completed in 1876, reconstructed after WW2 and renovated in 1998-2001.
Access & Transport
Entrance is from Bodestraße. The Museumsinsel (U5) is 300 away across Lustgarden and buses 100 and 200 also stop there. The Tram to Kupfergraben (M1, 12) is also a good alternative.
Instructions & Recommendations
We would not recommend attempting too many large "classical" museums over too short a period of time, so you may want to plan your visit(s) accordingly. Unless you are extremely pressed for time, we would not visit the Alte Nationalgalerie or the Bode Museum on the same day as there is some degree of overlap in their collections. There is a 3-day ticket covering all SMB museums for €32 which is a perfect option for anybody looking to visit more than 2 of them. Outside of Museum Island, this activity is best combined with a visit of Gendarmenmarkt or Old Berlin / Nikolaiviertel
Environmental & Social
Some environment impact to run the museum (mostly electricity). Positive from a social perspective by helping spread culture and the arts.
Conclusion
The Alte Nationalgalerie faces healthy competition from its neighbours on Museum Island and the building stands out for its unusual but successful blend of architectural elements. However, the main collection of paintings may not appeal to everybody - in our opinion this is not an issue at all, part of the role of a cultural venue is to enable visitors to discover new style and works of art, not simply display already famous ones. From that perspective, the Gallery does a great job of showcasing the country's artistic heritage with an impressive set of German paintings from the 19th century.
Key positive
One of the best collections of paintings from the German Romantic period
Stunning neoclassical architecture
Key negative
The majority of international visitors will be unacquainted with most of the works and masters in the gallery
Suitability
Best for adults and children aged 10 and above; the younger ones may not appreciate most of the exhibits. The building is only partially wheelchair accessible.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:3h
Monday -
Tuesday09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday09:00 - 18:00
Thursday09:00 - 20:00
Friday09:00 - 20:00
Saturday09:00 - 20:00
Sunday09:00 - 18:00