Museum

German Historical Museum

4.1 · 296 reviews
German Historical MuseumAvda · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum) in Berlin offers a comprehensive journey through German history from the Middle Ages to the present. Housed in the historic Zeughaus (Arsenal) on Unter den Linden, the museum's permanent exhibition spans over 1,500 years, featuring political figures, cultural movements, and key events that shaped Germany and Europe. Visitors can explore a vast collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, weapons, and everyday objects, all arranged chronologically. The modern extension designed by I.M. Pei adds a striking architectural contrast and hosts temporary exhibitions. What makes this museum distinctive is its balanced, scholarly approach, presenting multiple perspectives on controversial periods like the Nazi era and Cold War division. You'll leave with a nuanced understanding of Germany's complex past and its role in European history.

Don't miss

  • The permanent exhibition 'German History in Images and Testimonials' covering 1,500 years
  • I.M. Pei's glass-and-steel extension with a striking spiral staircase
  • Artifacts from the Weimar Republic and Nazi era, including propaganda posters
  • The Zeughaus's ornate baroque courtyard and architecture

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit German Historical Museum

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

More attractions in Berlin

Planning your trip to Berlin? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Berlin itinerary.