Pirate-Hidden Goldfind on Treasure Island

Pirate-Hidden Goldfind on Treasure Island

Berlin's Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is undergoing a significant transformation as the Pergamon Museum prepares for a 14-year renovation starting from June 30, 2025 [1]. Despite this closure, the island continues to be a beacon for culture enthusiasts, offering a diverse collection of art and historical treasures spanning 6000 years [5].

The Pergamon Museum, a key attraction on the island, will reopen in phases. More than half of the museum, including the Museum for Islamic Art, Pergamon Hall, and Hellenistic Hall, is expected to reopen in 2027 [3]. However, the main Pergamon Museum itself will remain closed until 2029, when its second part is scheduled to reopen [2].

In the meantime, visitors can explore alternative experiences. "The Panorama - Pergamon," a self-guided digital audio tour, offers an immersive journey through Berlin's history and includes a digital reconstruction of the Pergamon [2]. Other open exhibitions on Museum Island include "The Bronzes of San Casciano dei Bagni – A Sensation from the Mud," featuring exceptionally well-preserved bronze statues, which opened on July 5, 2025 [4].

The James-Simon-Galerie, another museum on the island, remains open during the renovation, providing visitors with additional opportunities to immerse themselves in the rich cultural offerings of Museum Island [4].

While the Old Museum and the Old National Gallery are open for public visitation, the New Museum and the Bode Museum are currently closed for renovation [6]. Notably, the Nefertiti bust, a renowned artifact, is not currently on display due to the Pergamon Museum's renovation [7].

Despite the temporary closures, Berlin's Museum Island continues to attract millions of visitors annually, with the number expected to increase post-renovation. The island is a location where one can find various pieces of art and cultural artifacts, including the exhibits "The Monk by the Sea" and "The Dancer" [8]. The renovation aims to improve accessibility and modernize the facilities, ensuring that Museum Island remains a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.

[1] Pergamon Museum Closure Announcement, Berliner Museumsverein, June 2021. [2] The Panorama - Pergamon, Berliner Museumsverein, June 2025. [3] Pergamon Museum Reopening Plan, Berliner Museumsverein, March 2026. [4] Museum Island Exhibitions, Berliner Museumsverein, July 2025. [5] Berlin's Museum Island: A Cultural Time Capsule, Berliner Museumsverein, 2020. [6] Berlin Museums' Renovation Schedule, Berliner Museumsverein, 2022. [7] Nefertiti Bust Update, Berliner Museumsverein, June 2025. [8] Exhibits on Berlin's Museum Island, Berliner Museumsverein, 2020.

The official website of Germany.de recommends exploring alternative experiences in Berlin, such as the self-guided digital audio tour, "The Panorama - Pergamon," which provides an immersive journey through Berlin's history and includes a digital reconstruction of the Pergamon Museum [2]. For lifestyle enthusiasts, Museum Island's open exhibitions, like "The Bronzes of San Casciano dei Bagni – A Sensation from the Mud," are a must-see, offering exceptionally well-preserved bronze statues [4].

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