The Pergamon Museum, part of UNESCO’s Museum Island in Berlin, is undergoing an extensive renovation that has closed it completely since October 2023, with some sections remaining closed until 2043. However, the north wing and the Pergamon Altar Hall are set to reopen in early 2027, allowing visitors to see major highlights a decade before the renovations are finished.
The museum, commissioned by German Emperor Wilhelm II and built between 1910 and 1930, is being restored while preserving its heritage and original architectural features. This includes adopting modern standards for climate control and accessibility. The restoration journey has not been without challenges, as it encountered unstable foundations and previously undocumented infrastructure, doubling the estimated renovation budget to about 1.5 billion euros.
Notable artifacts to be displayed in 2027 include the famed Pergamon Altar, along with the Mushatta facade, the Aleppo Room, and the intricately carved cupola from the Alhambra. The museum’s collection uniquely combines Islamic art and ancient Greek treasures, emphasizing cultural interactions through history.
The goal is to transform the museum into a site of global significance, with expectations of attracting millions of visitors once it reopens.
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