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Each time we go on holiday we have the same problem. Before going on your trip you make a well thought list of all the museums, monuments, castles and sights that you would like to visit. But the list seems to be infinite and all the attractions are spread out through the whole big city. I’m sure that your feet will go on strike. However, Berlin seems to pay attention to its visitor’s well-being. The German capital offers you a spectacular Island where you don’t have to walk thousands of miles to discover the world of culture, history and the most important monuments of humanity: Visit the Museum Island in Berlin!

This unique island is situated in the northern part of the Spreeinsel, the famous island on the river Spree, in the centre of Berlin. The Island owes its name due to all the prestigious museums there. This piece of land enjoys a kind of historical importance: in former times it was the residence dedicated to “arts and science” from Frederick William IV of Prussia around 1841. Over the centuries under the rule of different Prussian kings, the art collection and archaeological treasures became more extensive. Finally since 1918 they belonged to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (Stiftung Preuβischer Kulturbesitz).

The Old Museum (Altes Museum) stands out especially from all the other fascinating museums of the island. It was constructed by the famous architect K.F. Schinkel between 1823 and 1830. It’s a spectacular building which houses interesting art collections of the Roman and Greek antiquity, like for example sculptures, antiques vases, mosaics, and jewels, etc. Furthermore the museum offers you fantastic paintings from the different castles of Berlin, Potsdam and Charlottenburg, as well as from private art collections, like Giustiniani and Solly.

Only after some more steps, you find the New Museum (Neues Museum) which was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War. There remained only some exterior walls but after the renovation they planed to exhibit, like the time before the war, precious works of Egyptian and prehistorical origin.

If you want to indulge in the creative world of paintings, then you should visit the Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie) on the Museum Island Berlin. This interesting museum offers you a spectacular expedition through the most important paintings and sculptures of the world’s history, like for example the fantastic works of Feuerbach, Menzel, Liebermann, Friedrich or Schinkel.. Besides, the museum provides you with the biggest collection of sculptures and art pieces of 19th century Germany.

The fantastic Bode Museum (see photo) should be part of your list as well. It stands out just seeing its spectacular bronze cupola. There you have the possibility to discover more sculptures, the Byzantine art, coins and medals. The highlight of your trip to the island is the visit of the prestigious Pergamon Museum (Pergamonmuseum). The idea of the building is very original in regard to its architecture: first they brought all the works of art and then later they constructed the building around them. The Pergamon Altar, as well as the Ishtar Gate and its Procession Way will captivate you. The museum is principally dedicated to the art of Islam, Greece, Mesopotamia, Middle East and to the treasures of Hellenistic Greece.

Let yourself be carried by the spectacular world of real art of the world’s history and culture. You can find all this on just one island – the museum island Berlin! Your feet will be very thankful. The apartments in Berlin are the best alternative to find the best accommodation.

Tags: berlin museums, bode museum berlin, island museum, island museum berlin, Museum Island, Museum Island Berlin, pergamon museum