Neue Nationalgalerie

This modernist masterpiece by Mies van der Rohe showcases 20th-century art with an iconic glass-and-steel design that revolutionized museum architecture. It houses impressive collections of modern and contemporary art in a building that is itself a work of art.

Things to do

• Explore the Main Exhibition Hall — Wander through the soaring 64-by-64-meter column-free interior space where rotating exhibitions of 20th-century masterworks are displayed beneath the iconic floating roof.
• Study the Glass Façade Design — Examine Mies van der Rohe's revolutionary use of floor-to-ceiling glass walls and steel columns that blur the boundary between interior and exterior space.
• Visit the Lower-Level Gallery — Descend to the subterranean exhibition spaces to see contemporary and modern artworks displayed in intimate, temperature-controlled galleries.
• Attend a Guided Architecture Tour — Join a specialized tour focusing on the building's architectural significance and Mies van der Rohe's design philosophy of 'less is more.'
• Photograph from the Outside Plaza — Capture the building's striking reflection in the surrounding plaza's water features and stone surfaces, especially during golden hour.
• Browse the Museum Shop — Peruse high-quality art books, exhibition catalogs, and design-focused merchandise in the ground-level shop.

Food to try

• Currywurst at Local Stand — Sample Berlin's iconic street food of sliced bratwurst topped with curry ketchup and served with fries, available at nearby vendors in Tiergarten.
• Coffee and Cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) — Enjoy the beloved German afternoon tradition of coffee paired with a slice of Black Forest cake or Käsekuchen (cheese cake) at a nearby café.
• Döner Kebab — Try Berlin's most popular fast casual meal of Turkish-style roasted meat in flatbread with fresh vegetables and sauce, abundant in the surrounding neighborhoods.
• Bockwurst and Pretzel — Grab a traditional Bavarian-style boiled sausage paired with a warm soft pretzel from street vendors near the museum.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan for Extended Viewing — Allow at least 2-3 hours to properly appreciate both the architectural masterpiece and the rotating exhibitions without feeling rushed.
• Check Exhibition Schedule in Advance — The museum's exhibitions rotate frequently and major collections may be on loan, so verify current displays before visiting to see works you're interested in.
• Respect Photography Policies — Many exhibitions prohibit photography; always check signage and ask staff before taking pictures to respect artists' rights and other visitors.
• Arrive Early on Weekends — The museum attracts large crowds on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, so arrive in the morning for a more contemplative experience with shorter wait times.