Pergamon Altar to Reopen in 2027, Full Museum by 2037 After Extensive Renovations
Berlin, April 10 – The world-renowned Pergamon Altar, a centerpiece of the Pergamon Museum on Berlin’s Museum Island, is slated to reopen to the public in spring 2027. This announcement comes after a period of extensive renovation work. However, the Altar Hall is expected to close again for several months in 2034, as reported by “Der Spiegel,” as part of ongoing construction that will continue until 2037.
Phased Reopening and Further Closures Planned
The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) confirmed that the initial reopening of the Altar Hall is planned for spring 2027. This will allow visitors to once again view the iconic Pergamon Altar. The SPK further stated that the Altar Hall would indeed close again for approximately five months in the “second half of 2034.” This temporary closure is necessary to connect the Pergamon Museum to the archaeological promenade, which aims to link four of the five historic buildings on Museum Island, and to restore connections to the south wing.
The extensive construction work at the Pergamon Museum is projected to continue for several more years. The south wing, which houses significant exhibits such as the Ishtar Gate and the Babylonian Processional Way, will remain closed for over a decade. The complete reopening of the entire museum is not anticipated until 2037, with the exact date yet to be finalized by the SPK.
Renovation Progress and Temporary Access Solutions
Despite reports from “Der Spiegel” suggesting that potential time buffers for the renovation have been exhausted, the SPK maintains its commitment to a spring 2027 reopening for the initial sections. Some areas will open temporarily. The newly designed entrance to the museum, known as the “Tempietto,” will initially serve as a passageway. It is scheduled to close again in 2030 and will only fulfill its intended function as an entrance pavilion in the courtyard after the completion of construction phase B.
Additionally, the Schlütersaal is expected to close again for more than five years starting in 2032, a detail confirmed by the SPK as consistent with current plans. This hall is intended to eventually display objects from all four collections represented in the museum: the Egyptian and Near Eastern Museum, the Collection of Classical Antiquities, and the Museum of Islamic Art.
The Pergamon Museum is recognized globally as one of the most important museums. The ongoing renovations are part of a comprehensive modernization effort aimed at preserving its architectural integrity and enhancing the visitor experience.
Source: news.de
