For “Museum Pass Day #2” I decided to start at the epicenter of museums in Berlin – Museum Island. This is the name of the northern half of an island in the Spree river right in Mitte (central/downtown) that is home to five major museums. Definitely more crowds and lines here, but that is to be expected.

Pergamonmuseum – My third trip here. It houses an antiquity collection, the Middle East museum, and the museum of Islamic art. Most notable are its original-sized, reconstructed monumental buildings of the Pergamon Altar, Market Gate of Miletus and Ishtar Gate from Babylon. One pretty amazing place. Photos: Building, Pergamon Altar, Market Gate of Miletus, Ishtar Gate 

Bode-Museum – I’ve missed this on past trips. It’s a beautifully restored building and is most famous for its extensive Early Middle Ages through 18th century sculpture collection (there are paintings as well). I was on a tight schedule as I had a 12:30pm visitation slot at the Neues Museum so could only spend 45 minutes here (which is perfect for sculptures and me). Photos: Building, Lobby, Sculpture arrangement 

Neues Museum – I’ve been here several times before. The museum showcases classical history and known for its Egyptian collection, including the famous bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti (unfortunately, that’s the one thing you’re not allowed to take a picture of; here’s one from the internet). There was a special German-Russian exhibit going on that highlighted the relationship between the two countries over the centuries which was pretty interesting. The building was pretty extensively damaged during WWII and certain parts they’ve left partially renovated to work that into the general “archaeological ambience.” Photos: Main Stairwell, Papyrus Exhibit (Nefertiti’s bust is actually in far in background) 

Alte Nationalgalerie – Right now, I’d put this at the top of my list. A spectacular building with a beautiful mix of Impressionist, Neoclassical, Romantic and early Modernist paintings. Photos: Building, Renoir, One of the Side Galleries, Looking out at Berliner Dome 

Ephraim-Palais Stadtmuseum – I figured I’d get off of Museum Island and try something new. This beautiful building hosts special temporary exhibitions on Berlin’s artistic, cultural and political history. I really didn’t know any of the people being highlighted and it just didn’t connect with me. Photo: Building

Nikolaikirche – Berlin’s oldest surviving building focuses on the architecture of the building and some sculptures and crypt related art. I was running on fumes at this point in the day and only hit it as it was right near the Ephraim-Palais, so it was a pretty short visit (not that there was a ton to see in the first place). Photo: Interior