Bode Museum Opening Hours & Essential Visitor Information

Q: Is there a best time to visit the Bode Museum to avoid crowds?

Yes! The museum is usually quietest on weekday mornings right after opening (around 10am). Avoid lunchtime hours (between noon to 2pm), when bigger groups tend to visit. If you want an even more serene experience, visit an hour before closing—you will often find yourself alone in some galleries.

Q: What happens if I arrive close to closing time?

You can enter up to 30 minutes before closing, but to fully enjoy the exhibits, aim to arrive at least an hour earlier. Keep in mind that security personnel may start guiding visitors out shortly before closing.

Q: Can you take photos inside the Bode Museum?

Yes, non-flash photography is allowed for personal use. However, tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.

Q: Are there any hidden gems or overlooked exhibits?

Absolutely! Many visitors rush through, but the Byzantine Art collection features rare ivory carvings and mosaics that are easy to miss. Also, the wooden sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider in the Renaissance section showcase an incredible level of detail and emotion.

Q: Is there a recommended route for first-time visitors?

Yes! Start at the grand staircase, then head to the Sculpture Collection, followed by the Byzantine Art section. Wrap up with the Coin Cabinet, where you’ll find coins dating back thousands of years, offering a unique look at economic history.

Q: Is the Bode Museum suitable for kids?

While the museum is not specifically designed for children, kids who enjoy history, knights, and mythology may find the sculptures and Byzantine artifacts fascinating. There are also family-friendly audio guides that make the visit more engaging for younger visitors.

Bode Museum

The Bode Museum is open from 10am to 5pm between Wednesday and Friday and from 10am to 6pm between Saturday and Sunday. It remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	10:00–17:00	17:00
Thursday	10:00–17:00	17:00
Friday	10:00–17:00	17:00
Saturday	10:00–18:00	18:00
Sunday (Today)	10:00–18:00	18:00

On International Women’s Day (March 8), Easter (April 18 to 21), Labor Day (May 1), Ascension Day (May 29), Pentecost (June 9), German Unification Day (October 3), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), the museum is open from 10am to 6pm. On January 1, 2026, the museum is open from 10am to 5pm.

Best time to visit the Bode Museum

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: Weekdays are ideal if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed visit, giving you time to admire sculptures and Byzantine art without the crowds. You will have better opportunities to take in the details, whether it’s studying a Renaissance masterpiece up close or exploring the Coin Cabinet.
Weekend: Weekends at the Bode Museum offer a lively atmosphere, with more visitors stopping by to explore its vast collection. If you enjoy the buzz of fellow art lovers and want to soak in the museum’s energy, this is the time to go. However, it also means crowded galleries, longer wait times at popular exhibits, and a busier experience, especially around special displays or guided tours. Arriving early can help you avoid the midday rush.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Spring and summer: From April to September, the Bode Museum sees its highest number of visitors, especially with tourists exploring Berlin’s Museum Island. Crowded galleries, longer ticket queues, and limited space around popular exhibits can make it harder to fully immerse yourself.
Fall and winter: From October to March, the museum offers a calmer, more intimate experience. You will find quieter halls, shorter lines, and fewer distractions, allowing you to appreciate every detail. The only downside? The museum closes earlier in winter, and Berlin’s cold weather might make getting there less pleasant. But if you are after a peaceful, crowd-free visit, this is the best time to go.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long do you need to tour the Bode Museum?

Depending on your pace, whether you're skimming the highlights or delving into the collections, a visit to the Bode Museum can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours.

Quick explorer (1 to 1.5 hours): If you are short on time, opt for a brisk 90-minute tour that lets you experience the museum’s highlights without feeling rushed. Admire the Neoclassical facade, browse the Renaissance sculptures, and take a quick look at the coin collection.

Art and history enthusiasts (2 to 3 hours): For those who love to linger, 2.5 to 3 hours allows for a deeper connection with the museum’s treasures. Explore Byzantine masterpieces, admire the intricate details of Donatello’s sculptures, and marvel at the gilded altarpieces—all while tracing the evolution of European artistry through the centuries.

Those looking to dive deeper into ancient art (3 to 4 hours): If you enjoy reading every plaque, absorbing context through an audio guide, or analyzing brushstrokes up close, set aside at least 3.5 to 4 hours for your visit.

Tips to note before visiting the Bode Museum

If you want the perfect shot of the Bode Museum’s stunning dome and grand staircase, head to the second-floor balcony overlooking the central hall. The natural light from the high windows makes for incredible photos, especially in the late morning.

Need a break? Unlike many museums, seating is limited, but there’s a hidden bench tucked behind the Renaissance sculptures section. It’s the perfect spot to sit, reflect, and absorb the collection's beauty without the crowds.

The coin collection is one of the most overlooked sections, yet it contains rare Byzantine gold coins and ancient Roman currency that shaped economies for centuries. To appreciate the fine details, ask at the information desk for a magnifying glass—they have a few available upon request!

Frequently asked questions about Bode Museum’s opening hours

Is there a best time to visit the Bode Museum to avoid crowds?

Yes! The museum is usually quietest on weekday mornings right after opening (around 10am). Avoid lunchtime hours (between noon to 2pm), when bigger groups tend to visit. If you want an even more serene experience, visit an hour before closing—you will often find yourself alone in some galleries.

Is the Bode Museum open on public holidays?

Yes, the museum is generally open on public holidays, following its standard Sunday hours of 10am to 6pm. However, on Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year's Eve (December 31), the museum remains closed. On New Year's Day (January 1), the Bode Museum opens from noon to 6pm.

What happens if I arrive close to closing time?

You can enter up to 30 minutes before closing, but to fully enjoy the exhibits, aim to arrive at least an hour earlier. Keep in mind that security personnel may start guiding visitors out shortly before closing.

Can you take photos inside the Bode Museum?

Yes, non-flash photography is allowed for personal use. However, tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.

Are there any hidden gems or overlooked exhibits?

Absolutely! Many visitors rush through, but the Byzantine Art collection features rare ivory carvings and mosaics that are easy to miss. Also, the wooden sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider in the Renaissance section showcase an incredible level of detail and emotion.

Is there a recommended route for first-time visitors?

Yes! Start at the grand staircase, then head to the Sculpture Collection, followed by the Byzantine Art section. Wrap up with the Coin Cabinet, where you’ll find coins dating back thousands of years, offering a unique look at economic history.

Is the Bode Museum suitable for kids?

While the museum is not specifically designed for children, kids who enjoy history, knights, and mythology may find the sculptures and Byzantine artifacts fascinating. There are also family-friendly audio guides that make the visit more engaging for younger visitors.