Bode Museum, Berlin
Posted On February 28, 2011
The capital of Germany boasts a secret treasure for all the art lovers who are great fans of the medieval works. I am certainly talking about the Bode Museum that deserves at least a visit once in your lifetime. Attracting people for more than 100 years, this great edifice is no less than a monument in itself, which is nestled on the northern tip of the so-called ‘Museum Island’ that is in the Berlin’s heart.
The Bode Museum is today the home of a variety of art treasures as well as artifacts that were introduced in the Medieval as well as Byzantine periods. Most of items that you see here are from Italy, France, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Now, with this, there is one big benefit hidden for you to judge. Can you guess? It is a financial one! Okay, it is the benefit of marveling at these works of different countries eliminating the need to spend for visiting them on their original lands. Isn’t that exciting?
Talking a bit of its interesting history, the Bode Museum after being first founded by the Emperor Wilhelm II was named as the Kaiser Friedrich Museum. Te current name was only given to it in 1956, which was derived from the first curator’s name: Wilhelm van Bode. In the meanwhile, it witnessed many restorations. Its famous coin collection first was kept on the public display in 2004 after a major restoration, while the rest were opened in 2006.
Today, the grand building of the museum reflects the Wilhelminian Baroque style speaking about its dedication to Wilhelm II. The complete build up is a splendid, palatial building with the outer wings looking directly over the River Spree of the island from both the sides. The museum’s northwest corner that is situated at the end of the island is topped with a colossal Baroque dome, while the other end is crowned with a smaller dome overlooking the tracks of train straddling across the island.
Coming to its interiors, the architecture is bright and boasts visually striking design. Within, three major collections of the National Museum (Staatliche Museum) resides: Museum of Byzantine Art, the Numismatic Collection, and the Sculpture Collection. The extensive Sculpture Collection houses the master works of art that date back from the Early Middle Ages until the 18th century. Almost all the items here belong to the European nations like Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. However, among all, those from the Italy are well showcased as well as highly praised.
Also, look for the Museum of Byzantine Art that is the most unique in this European nation. This is where you will come across the art as well as artifacts that belong to the Byzantine period and Late Antiquity. All the artifacts here are chiefly from the Mediterranean region. Expect to see the works from Greece, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, the Balkans, and North Africa.
In the Bode Museum, the Numismatic Collection holds the most remarkable coin collection that also include other forms of currency all of which date back to the period between 7th century BC and 21st century AD. Wow! What a grand collection this is! Putting down statistically, there are 35,000 Oriental-Islamic coins, 25,000 medals introduced around 1400 AD, 50,000 ancient Roman coins, 102,000 ancient Greek coins, and 160,000 European coins. And yes, there is something more to this list – paper money, prehistoric money, and medieval seals. Also, do not miss to glance at the collection of more than 15,000 minting tools along with the preserved large casts.
Timings
10:00 am to 6:00 pm, up to 10 pm on Thursdays.
Tickets
€8
€14 for a combined trip to the Museum Island.
Official tours
Yes, but need reservation.
Note
A few zones will remain closed from June to August 2011.
