Humboldt Forum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Humboldt Forum stands on the site of the Berlin Palace (Berliner Schloss), the former residence of the Hohenzollerns. The palace, badly damaged in World War II, was blown up by the East German leadership in 1950; the Palast der Republik was later built here, which after reunification was closed due to asbestos contamination and demolished by 2008. In 2002, the Bundestag decided in favor of a new building with reconstructed Baroque facades.

The building was constructed from 2013 to designs by Italian architect Franco Stella; three exterior facades and the facades of the Schlüterhof courtyard follow the historical model, while the east side and the interiors have a modern design. The cost of the Baroque facades was largely funded by donations. After a digital opening in December 2020, the building opened to visitors in July 2021, and all exhibition areas were added step by step through 2022.

Several partners work under the umbrella of the Stiftung Humboldt Forum: the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin present the Ethnologisches Museum and the Museum für Asiatische Kunst here, while the Stadtmuseum Berlin and Kulturprojekte Berlin run the exhibition BERLIN GLOBAL. In addition, there are exhibitions on the history of the site, events and educational programs.

The project was controversial from the outset, for example because of the reconstruction itself and the display of objects from colonial contexts; provenance research and cooperation with societies of origin therefore shape the program.

Highlights

• Reconstructed Baroque facades and the Schlüterhof by Franco Stella
• Ethnological collections and the Museum für Asiatische Kunst on around 16,000 square meters
• BERLIN GLOBAL – exhibition on the city's worldwide connections
• Roof terrace with panoramic views over Museum Island and the city center
• Palace cellar with archaeological remains of the earlier building (free admission)
• Replica of the East Gate of the Sanchi Stupa

Permanent exhibitions

• Ethnologische Sammlungen und Asiatische Kunst – On the 3rd and 4th floors, the Staatliche Museen show objects from Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania as well as Asian art from early times to the present.
• BERLIN GLOBAL – Interactive exhibition by the Stadtmuseum and Kulturprojekte Berlin on how Berlin and its residents are connected with the world.
• Spuren – 36 stations spread throughout the building tell the eventful history of the site, from the palace to the Palast der Republik.

Founded

2021

Operated by

Stiftung Humboldt Forum im Berliner Schloss

Director

Hartmut Dorgerloh

Visitors per year

approx. 785,000 (2024)

Admission & discounts

The €9 price applies per exhibition ticket: the ethnological collections and Asian art, and BERLIN GLOBAL, are booked separately (timed-entry tickets). Free to visit are, among others, “Einblicke. Die Brüder Humboldt”, the palace cellar, the sculpture hall, the video panorama and “On Water”. Free admission with, among others, an annual pass of the Staatliche Museen, the Museumspass Berlin, for recipients of social benefits and with the Berlin-Ticket S.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

Elevators and staff-operated platform lifts provide access to all public areas; 22 accessible parking spaces on the south side (currently at Portal 2). Tactile floor guidance system, tactile maps, touch and smell stations on all exhibition floors; media guide with audio description and German Sign Language (DGS) videos. Loan wheelchairs and walking aids available; only assistance dogs allowed in the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The workshop rooms on the 2nd floor (daily except Tuesdays, 10:30–18:30) are freely accessible without registration, with a play cave for climbing, a painting station, a play corner and hands-on activities for ages 3 and up. Also guided tours, workshops and events for children and families, as well as children's birthday parties in the Ethnologisches Museum. Your own strollers may be restricted in the exhibitions – the institution provides strollers if needed. Signposted baby changing rooms. Children under 12 may only visit the exhibitions accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Restaurant Baret (with views over Berlin), Lebenswelten bistro and bar, Forum Café, KERB Food Market; shop in the passage and pop-up shop in the foyer, tourist info. Free cloakroom; bags larger than A4 must be checked. Free Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Halls 1–3, the stair hall, workshop rooms, the Schlüterhof, the Spree terrace and the roof terrace for conferences, receptions and concerts; requests are reviewed for content. No rentals for purely private occasions such as weddings or birthdays.

Plan your visit