Berlin’s Neues Museum reopens
16th October 2009
Berlin’s Neues Museum (New Museum) has reopened, 70 years after it was evacuated and closed during World War II.
The museum houses a host of ancient treasures including a bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti and the Bronze Age Berliner Goldhut (Berlin Gold Hat).
First opened in 1855 on the city’s famous Museumsinsel (Museum Island), the Neues Museum was praised for its neo-classical building.
However, heavy bombing at the end of World War II left much of it in ruins. Several unsuccessful attempts to rebuild and reopen the museum subsequently floundered.
The €233 million (£212 million) restoration by British architect David Chipperfield hasn’t been without its critics though.
The Society of Ancient Berlin is petitioning Unesco to include Museumsinsel on its list of World Heritage sites in danger.
The Neues Museum reopens to the public on Saturday (17 October) following the official reopening today (Friday). Entry will be free over the opening weekend.
Planning a trip to Berlin? Then pick up a copy of the November issue of Wanderlust magazine, on sale now, which includes an insider’s guide to the city
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