Neues Museum, Berlin (must see)

This delightful part of the Museum Island complex reopened its doors in 2009 and is well worth an extended visit. Its four floors contain a vast array of artifacts from each of the prehistoric eras (Stone, Bronze, Iron), amongst antique cultures like the Greek, Roman, Nubian, and most notably, ancient Egyptian.

Although pride of place here goes to the stunning bust of Egyptian queen Nefertiti – and you do need to see her elegantly rendered head from every angle – there is plenty more to see! Walk into the next room to find one of the more interesting displays, with valuable papyrus scrolls appearing by the pressing of a button. Also, be sure to look at the information cards in many rooms, which describe how they look currently, as compared to before being damaged in the Second World War. There is additional Egyptian art on this (the second) floor, and on the first, which houses a temple and a courtyard below.

Take time with the exceptionally well-organized and well-explained Bronze and Iron Age exhibits of weapons, tools, pottery and other artifacts and the photos and diagrams of the digs at which they were unearthed. One the most interesting exhibits is the more recently acquired Golden Hat, a beautiful and still-mysterious piece of Bronze-Age ceremonial headgear, one of several found in Northern Europe (apparently, whoever held the power that accompanied it could predict eclipses and other celestial phenomena). Other highlights include the wonderfully lifelike Berlin Green Head, mummies and sarcophagi, the re-creation of a Neanderthal's head from a skull, a magnificent collection from the ancient city of Troy, gold jewelry belonging to the "Treasure of Priam", and blue faience funerary objects in the shape of animals.

Tip:
Go as early as possible to avoid long queues and buy a Berlin Card or a three-day museum pass, as there is much to see.
It is best advised to start at the top and work downwards, either on your own with an audio guide or on a tour.

Opening Hours:
Fri-Wed: 10am-6pm; Thu: 10am-8pm