The Berliner Schloss (Berlin Palace), which houses the Humboldt Forum, is Germany's most ambitious cultural project of the 21st century. Located in Berlin's historic center on Museum Island, the building is a modern reconstruction of the former palace of the Prussian kings and German emperors.
The original palace was severely damaged in World War II and demolished in 1950 by the East German government, being replaced by a Soviet-style building, which was later blocked off due to the use of asbestos for insulation, and which was also demolished.
The new building, completed in 2020, is an architectural masterpiece that combines:
- Baroque facades: three of the four exterior sides are exact replicas of the original 18th-century palace facade.
- Modern architecture: the side facing the Spree River and the interior are of contemporary design, designed by the Italian architect Franco Stella.
What to see at the Humboldt-Forum:
The space functions as a "universal museum," housing various institutions and exhibitions:
- Ethnological Museum and Museum of Asian Art: located on the upper floors, they have vast collections of art and culture from outside Europe (Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas).
- Berlin Global: an interactive exhibition about the history of Berlin and its connections with the world. It's ideal for those who want to understand how the city became the cosmopolitan metropolis it is today.
- Humboldt Laboratory: a space dedicated to current science and research, with dynamic exhibitions from Humboldt University.
- Sculpture and history of the palace: in the basement (Castle Floor), you can visit the original excavated walls of the old medieval palace.
Highlight:
The Panoramic Terrace (Dachterrasse) is one of the best observation points in Berlin. It offers a 360° view of the city, including Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), the TV Tower, and Museum Island. Tip: there's a restaurant/café at the top, perfect for relaxing with a view.
Opening
Open Wednesday to Monday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets
Entry to the Humboldt-Forum costs €14.00 and includes the Permanent Exhibitions (Ethnological/Asian Museums), Special Exhibitions, and Berlin Global for one-day visits. Tickets for the same attractions, but valid for 2 days, cost €18.00 (free for children under 18).
A single ticket for Berlin Global costs €9.00.
Terrace: costs €3.00 (free for children).
Address
Schlossplatz 1
U2/U5/U8/S3/S5/S7 Alexanderplatz Station
