Neue Nationalgalerie – The temple of light & glass

Image by Sarah Curth

At first sight you could never imagine that this temple of glass houses a whole gallery. But beneath the ground on which it stands, you’ll find big, wide showrooms housing Berlin’s best collection of modern art. Designed by Bauhaus architect Mies van der Rohe, the house was opened in 1968 and stands as an icon of classical modernity. The impressive glass-steel façade of the cubic building represents van der Rohe’s idea of a universal space.

The collection of the Neue Nationalgalerie focuses on Cubism, Expressionism, Bauhaus and Surrealism. But the permanent exhibition cannot be seen throughout the whole year because the museum primarily presents special temporary exhibitions like the “Met in Berlin” (an exhibit from 2007 where the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York loaned its most beautiful French impressionist paintings).

The upper hall is often used as a showroom for larger art installations. In the outside area some sculptures can also be seen. There is also a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden, though unfortunately access is only available by special request.

On the Neue Nationalgalerie website you can find the current programme. Everyone under 18 years gets free entry to all national museums in Berlin. Students have to pay 5 Euro admission.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Neue Nationalgalerie | Art & culture | Admission € 10.00
Potsdamer Straße 50 | Tiergarten | +49302662651
Tue – Wed, Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 11:00 – 18:00