Perched on Berlin’s Museum Island, the Bode Museum is a treasure trove of sculptures, Byzantine art, and numismatics. Opened in 1904, it showcases masterpieces like Donatello’s Pazzi Madonna, Antonio Canova’s Dancer, and...
Also Known As
Emperor Frederick Museum
Founded On
1904
Founded By
Ernst Eberhard von Ihne
ADDRESS
Am Kupfergraben 3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
RECOMMENDED DURATION
1 hour
Timings
Closed today
VISITORS PER YEAR
250000
TICKETS
From € 12
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
The museum was initially called the Kaiser-Friedrich-Museum, after Emperor Wilhelm II’s father. It was renamed the Bode Museum in 1956 to honor its first curator, Wilhelm von Bode, who shaped its collections.
Unlike most museums, which group artworks by period or region, the Bode Museum was one of the first to curate sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts together to create a more immersive historical experience.
With over 500,000 coins, only a tiny fraction is on display at any time. The collection includes rare Roman gold medallions, Viking silver hoards, and experimental currency from different eras.
The Bode Museum’s sculpture collection spans the Gothic to Baroque periods, showcasing masterpieces by Donatello, Riemenschneider, and Bernini. Browse an extensive display of Italian Renaissance sculptures, including works by Luca della Robbia and Andrea della Verrocchio, alongside religious panels. Together, they offer a deep dive into the dynamic interplay of artistic styles and cultural influences.
From: February 2025 to April 2025
Young artists from the Hochschule für Bildende Künste Saar (HBKsaar) reinterpret classical artworks through installations, photo art, augmented reality, and videos, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present.
From: February 2025 to April 2025
This exhibition presents meticulously reconstructed garments from wall paintings in the Cathedral of Faras, offering a glimpse into the rich attire of medieval Nubian royalty and clergy, influenced by Byzantine, African, and Arabic traditions.
From: May 2024 to September 2025
This exhibition delves into the world of coin forgery, comparing original and counterfeit coins, and showcasing the techniques used by counterfeiters. It also offers visitors a hands-on opportunity to test methods of detecting counterfeits.
From: October 2024 until further notice
The Baptismal Font from Siena stands as a testament to Italian Renaissance craftsmanship. This exhibition uncovers its journey—from its original creation to its plaster cast reproduction, restoration, and enduring influence on religious art.
From: May 2025 to July 2025
Centered around Paul Klee's Angelus Novus (1920), once owned by philosopher Walter Benjamin, this exhibition explores themes of history and memory, featuring damaged angelic artworks from Berlin museums and excerpts from Wim Wenders' film Wings of Desire.
From: October 2025 to September 2026
This exhibition delves into the 1478 assassination attempt on the Medici brothers, showcasing medals and portraits from the Münzkabinett and Gemäldegalerie that depict key figures, illustrating how political intrigue inspired Renaissance art.
From: July 2024 to October 2024
This exhibition showcased the once-separated components of Petel's gilded Crucifixion group, reuniting the figure of Christ from the Bayerisches National Museum in Munich with two accompanying figures from the Bode Museum.
From: July 2024
As part of Berlin Fashion Week, the Berliner Salon brought together young designers in the historic halls of the Bode Museum, juxtaposing contemporary fashion with classical art and exploring the connection between modern design and art history.
From: November 2023 to March 2024
Cypriot artist Theodoulos Polyviou presented a multimedia installation within the museum’s classical architecture, challenging perceptions of space and reality through contemporary art.
From: July 2023 to April 2024
This exhibition showcased a selection of Picasso’s works from the Museum Berggruen, examining his dialogue with Spanish artistic traditions and his lasting impact on modern art.
The Bode Museum is a stunning example of Neo-Baroque architecture, designed by Ernst von Ihne and completed in 1904. Perched at the northern tip of Museum Island, its majestic dome and symmetrical facade are an iconic part of the city’s skyline.
Unlike traditional museums with linear galleries, the museum’s fluid, interconnected spaces display sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts together. Its grand staircase, intricate moldings, and arched windows add to the elegance, while the central dome bathes the interior in natural light. With stone, marble, and gilded details mirroring the richness of its collections, the building itself becomes part of the museum experience.
The Bode Museum houses over 500,000 coins and medals in the Coin Cabinet and an extensive collection of sculptures, Byzantine art, and paintings spanning from late antiquity to the 18th century.
Some of the Bode Museum's most renowned exhibits include Donatello’s Pazzi Madonna, Tilman Riemenschneider’s Luke the Evangelist, Antonio Canova’s Dancer, and the Christ the Merciful mosaic from 12th-century Constantinople—each showcasing the evolution of sculpture and religious artistry across different eras.
No, the 2017 theft of the 100-kilogram ‘Big Maple Leaf’ gold coin has not been fully resolved, although some suspects were arrested, and part of the stolen gold is believed to have been melted down.
Yes, the Bode Museum occasionally hosts opera performances, concerts, and cultural events, with its grand halls and domed ceilings creating a stunning backdrop.
The Bode Museum is least crowded on weekday mornings, especially right after it opens at 10am and around lunchtime.
Yes! Your skip-the-line ticket gives you fast-track entry to the Bode Museum, including to all special exhibitions. Plus, you can learn more about the artifacts with the included audio guide, available in English and German.
A 2 to 3-hour visit is ideal to explore the major collections, but art enthusiasts may want to spend half a day or more to fully appreciate the details.
Yes, photography is allowed for personal use, but flash and tripods are prohibited. Some special exhibitions may have restrictions.
Absolutely! With its world-class sculpture collection, Byzantine treasures, and vast numismatic exhibits, the Bode Museum offers a unique and enriching experience for art and history lovers.
