Museums are the pinnacle of representing humankind's advancement in terms of culture, history, art, and technology. I truly believe that visiting a museum in a new place is always the best way to see the evolution of said place. Although, sometimes certain museums can tell us the history of a particular country, entire continents, and the world itself. And that's precisely why I love museums in Berlin.

First and foremost, Berlin is a city with a massive role in recent world history's development. And I'm not talking only about the grief World War II brought. In this city, the world developed in terms of technology, science, sociology, and art. Thankfully, for us curious people who love exploring and learning, Berlin has countless fantastic museums to marvel at humanity's best and worst moments.

Art and History Museums

Personally, I find that the best museums to visit that will leave everyone awed are art and history museums. As you can see from our Walking Tour Guide, you can see history wherever you go in Berlin. The city's architecture shows the massive destruction the town went through during World War II. The beautiful art covering most of the modern part of the city shows the alternative and unique mindset of the people. Berlin never shies away from showing their country's grim history.

Thus, visiting history museums here is the perfect chance to learn more about the people's struggles in the 20th century. Additionally, Berlin is the best place to be swept away by fantastic exhibitions of contemporary art. Also, as a backpacker myself, I know sometimes we hesitate to visit museums. After all, they can be pretty expensive. However, Berlin is probably one of the favorite cities for backpackers or low-budget travelers.

Why is that? Well, thankfully, the most museums entrance fee is at an affordable price or even free! Let's take a look at them.

Allied Museum 

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World War 2 is an essential part of modern history learned by all students across the world. Needless to say, the war's history is best understood by having a first-hand history lesson in Berlin, the city where everything started. But rather than delving into the war's history, the Allied Museum introduces us to the history after the defeat of the German army.

The museum uses the title 'How Enemies became Friends'. With its various exhibitions and collections, we can learn more about the period of the infamous Cold War and how Berlin became the center of the division between the western powers and the Soviet Union. The museum is located in the former American sector of Berlin. So, we can understand the division of powers and then the city's unification with the wall's fall.

For those who love history and world politics, this is the best place to get a glimpse at the city's recent history. 

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Daimler Art Collection 

Art has been the human's way of expression for thousands of years. In fact, art has been part of cultures, societies, and civilizations way before languages, empires, and nations. That's why Daimler Art Collection aims to demonstrate its commitment to art and culture through its incredible collections of contemporary art. They value art that exhibits the connection of culture, society, politics, and aesthetics.

Personally, I love their exhibitions for the simple reason that they are not just art. They are a provocation to the human mind. Daimler Art Collections allows you to think beyond the box. Although it is based in Berlin, as countries get globalized more and more, the museum tries to reenact the nature of globalization. To do that, the museum has art collections from various artists across the world, such as from Japan, Australia, North and South America, China, South Africa, and many others. 

Opening Hours: Daily from 11 am to 6 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Museum Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf 

At the Charlottenburg - Wilmersdorf museum, art and history meet. Founded in 1987 and hosted by the Oppenheim Villa, the museum takes us on a tour of villa's and Berlin's history and culture throughout time. The prestigious villa built-in 1881 was once the residence of the Oppenheim family. It was part of the independent city of Charlottenburg. Among the many exhibition and art collections of the museum at the section with the title "Sorgenfrei," you can explore the villa's history and its inhabitants. Museum Charlottenburg - Wilmersdorf is the perfect spot for exploring regional history and art. 

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm | Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 11 am to 5 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Topography of Terror

At the topography of the terror site, you will find the former headquarters of the Secret State Police, the SS, and the Reich Security Main Office. In other words, this is the place nightmares used to be forged. The Nazis organized and managed the persecution and extermination of European Jews and Sinti and Roma on this historical site. Here you can learn more about the history of the terrifying institutions and the crimes of the Nazis in general.

Also, the museum focuses on the propaganda created by the Nazis prior to the war, which allows us to understand how Germany fell into the hands of the Nazis. Topography of Terror is the ideal museum for those who seek an understanding of the timeline of the events from 1933 to 1945.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Tränenpalast 

In the 20th century, Germany went through many shifts in politics. In 1989, Berlin became the center of modern European history after the unification of West and East Germany. Thanks to the people's struggles today, Berlin is an essential city in world politics and the economy.

At Tränenpalast, also known as the Palace of Tears, you will learn of the events that brought forth the federal republic of Germany. The building itself was built in 1962 and served as a border crossing point between West and East Germany. Many people were forced to say goodbye to friends and relatives here. People were not allowed to cross the borders, even if they had families right next to them. Unfortunately, those who tried to cross found themselves powerless in the face of bullying border guards.

Today, at the Palace of Tears, we can relive these painful moments by touring around the museum's exhibitions of original objects, documents, films, and interviews.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm | Saturday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

Entrance Fee: Free

Märkisches Museum

In the 19th century, Berlin began to rapidly develop and expand. With the establishment of the new town hall, new cultural, social, and political associations were founded. Many scholars persuaded the state to create a museum that will record the regional history. Thus the Märkisches Museum was finally launched in 1874. Here, you can admire the evolution of culture and history of the city since the Ice Age through artifacts and art in a comprehensible and compact narrative. 

Opening Hours: Monday to Tuesday closed | Wednesday to Friday from 12 pm to 6 pm | Saturday - Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

Entrance fee:  Regular price for adults is € 7.00

Reduced price for adults € 4.00

Free for guests under 18 years old

Berlinishe Galerie

If you love art, then this is the museum you need to be in. At Berlinishe Galerie, you can marvel at all sorts of art and rethink what art truly means for humanity. The gallery includes paintings and sculptures, prints and drawings, photography and architecture, and all are dating from 1870 until the present day. You can explore Berlin's history in an alternative way, specifically visually and interactively. Here you can get mesmerized by the classics and swept away by the undogmatic, thought-provoking, and sometimes controversial contemporary art and trends.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm

Entrance Fee:  Adults € 5.00

Free for under 18 years old

Museumsdorf Düppel

Suppose you ever wondered how people in Germany or in Europe lived in the Middle Ages. In that case, you will love the Museumsdorf Düppel. At the site of the museum, eight hundred years ago, there used to be a settlement. Nowadays, the village is reconstructed with residences, storehouses, workshops, fields, and gardens. You can stroll the grass fields with farm animals running around you and experience the medieval ways of life and craftsmanship. It feels like living within a historical or fantasy novel, and you think a dragon might appear in the sky. Whether you love history or are a book or a movie lover, this is the perfect museum for you!

Opening Hours: Weekends & Holidays from 10 am to 6 pm

Entrance Fee:  Regular price for adults is € 5.00

Reduced price for adults € 3.00

Free for guests under 18 years old

Visit Berlin Museums with Pilot!

Berlin is a fantastic city full of lively venues, incredible art, and diverse culture.

Truly, it is one of the coolest cities in the world. If you love learning about new cultures, exploring new places, trying new cuisines, and of course, beer, then be sure to check out all our Berlin recommendations. Don't forget to use Pilot to plan your trip!