Pergamon Museum’s Museum of Islamic Art Closed Until 2027 for Renovations
Date of Publication: August 1, 2026
Last Updated: August 1, 2026
Applies to: All visitors planning to visit the Pergamon Museum or the Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin.
The Museum of Islamic Art, a significant part of the Pergamon Museum, will remain completely closed to visitors until 2027 due to extensive renovation work. This closure is part of a larger, ongoing renovation project affecting the entire Pergamon Museum, which has been fully inaccessible to the public since fall 2023.
What to Expect and When
Visitors eager to experience the rich cultural heritage housed within the Museum of Islamic Art will need to wait until at least spring 2027. At that time, the first sections of the Pergamon Museum, including the hall housing the iconic Pergamon Altar, are scheduled to reopen. However, specific details regarding the reopening of the Museum of Islamic Art’s sections will be announced closer to the date.
What is the Museum of Islamic Art?
The Museum of Islamic Art (German: Museum für Islamische Kunst), founded in 1904 by Wilhelm von Bode, is one of the world’s oldest collections of its kind. It houses an impressive array of art from Islamic peoples, spanning from the Near East through Egypt to Iran, and dating from the 8th to the 19th century. Its permanent exhibition takes visitors on a chronological journey through various dynasties, showcasing artistically decorated Qur’ans, carpets, facades, and carvings. Highlights of the collection include the facade of the Mshatta Desert Castle, a vast carpet collection, an intricately carved dome from the Alhambra, and the magnificent Aleppo Room.
Key Information for Visitors
- Museum Status: The Museum of Islamic Art is currently closed.
- Pergamon Museum Status: The entire Pergamon Museum has been completely closed since fall 2023.
- Estimated Reopening: The first sections of the Pergamon Museum are expected to reopen in spring 2027.
- What Remains Open: The Asisi Panorama, located nearby, will remain open to visitors. This offers an immersive experience related to the Pergamon Altar, even while the original is under renovation.
Where to Find More Information
For the latest updates on the renovation progress and reopening schedules, please refer to the official website of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin:
- Internet: www.smb.museum
Alternative Attractions in Berlin
While the Museum of Islamic Art and much of the Pergamon Museum are temporarily closed, Berlin offers a wealth of other world-class museums and cultural institutions. Consider visiting:
- Top 10: Berlin’s Most Visited Museums: For a list of other popular museums, check the official Berlin.de website.
- Other Museums on Museum Island: Many other renowned museums are located on Museum Island, offering diverse collections.
Contact Information
For general inquiries regarding the Pergamon Museum and its collections, you can visit the official website or contact the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin directly.
Public Transportation to the Area
Even with the museum closure, the area around Am Kupfergraben 5 (10117 Berlin) remains accessible via public transport:
- Underground (U-Bahn):
- U Museumsinsel (U5) – 0.4km
- S+U Friedrichstr. Bhf (U6) – 0.5km
- Bus:
- Georgenstr./Am Kupfergraben (M1) – 0.2km
- Universitätsstr. (M1) – 0.3km
- Staatsoper (100, N5, 300) – 0.4km
- S Hackescher Markt (M1) – 0.4km
- U Museumsinsel (100, N5, 300) – 0.4km
- S+U Friedrichstr. Bhf (S7, 147, 245, N6, S7A) – 0.5km
- Tram:
- Georgenstr./Am Kupfergraben (12, M1, M6) – 0.1km
- Am Kupfergraben (12, M1, M6) – 0.1km
- Universitätsstr. (12, M6) – 0.3km
- Monbijouplatz (M1, M5, M6) – 0.5km
- S+U Friedrichstr. Bhf (12, M1, M6) – 0.5km
Source: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin/BerlinOnline
