Here we go with our tour to one of the most outstanding art and cultural spot in the beautiful city of Berlin, Germany- Bode Museum. Regardless of whether you feel substantial interest in history, art or just want to get acquainted with German traditions the visit to Bode Museum will become interesting for you. In this article, you will come to know about the history, essence of this museum, the famous artwork displayed at the museum and how you can get the most out of your visit to this museum.

A Fascinating History

The Bode Museum which is also referred to as the Bode-Museum or the Museum of Byzantine Art was constructed between 1897 and 1904. It was designed by architect Ernst von Ihne, and originally intended to accommodate the Kaiser Friedrich Museum which is now referred to as Altes Museum. Today, the Bode Museum is one of the prominent museums located in the Museum Island that has been listed under the protection of UNESCO.

Artistic Treasures in Every Corner

The Bode Museum has numerous sculptures, paintings as well as the byzantine art collections. It contains collections of sculptures and artwork that belong to different historical eras such as Egyptian and Greek sculptures, Roman sculptors, sculptures, paintings of Medieval Ages & the renaissance periods as well. To put it in detail, there is a great variety of exhibits so that the viewer receives a brief survey of European art.

Noteworthy Artworks

They include among other works of art the “Praying Boy” statue that is a focal piece at the Bode Museum. This sculpture is made from marble and the shear workmanship that has anted up to its creation is definitely from the Greeks. The museum also contains the much acclaimed Byzantine art including the mosaics, icons, and religious items from Byzantine Empire.

And of course there are other interesting sites such as the “Donatello Room” in which one can view the statues by the master of sculpture, Donatello of Italy. It also displays works of art by Lucas Cranach the Elder and among others, Hans Holbein the Younger. The Bode Museum is a vast collection of art and every room has its own characteristic artistic character.

Tips for Visiting the Bode Museum

Plan Your Visit in Advance

If you have not been to the Bode Museum, you need to make some arrangements in preparation to visit the place. It is advised to visit the website of the museum to have a clear understanding of the current opening times and perhaps any on-going exhibit. It is advisable to buy the tickets online mainly bearing in mind special time-consuming lines that may be expected during busy periods.

Exploring the Collections

In this article, the author was able to focus on some of the major attractions of the Bode Museum but these are basically just a tip of the iceberg. Beginners may well start with the major sights, starting with the so-called ‘Praying Boy’ statue and the Byzantine exhibition. Hence, if for instance you have a special interest on the renaissance art or Egyptian antiquities then it is recommended that you go for those areas or sections. The visitors are advised not to fail to get museum maps or listen to the guided audiotapes for a better experience.

Enjoy the Surroundings

Since the Bode Museum lies on Museum Island, be sure to have a wonderful sight at the historical neighborhood too. Take a pleasant stroll down the Spree River and watch the impressive view of museums standing near. If the weather is favorable, you may take your lunch with you and spend some time in one of the parks nearby.

Visit during Off-Peak Hours

In order to have lesser crowd, and experience an uncluttered panorama, try visiting the museum during the less traffic times of the day and week. Some parts of the day are quite idle for example in the morning, during the weekdays. This way, you will have more time and space to tend to consider the art pieces as well as the surroundings of the museum.

In Conclusion

Bode Museum is one of the most interesting museums in Berlin containing art and history collections of many centuries. The Bode Museum boasts its rich collections, the magnificent building design and as being a part of the Museum Island quickened the heartbeats of each tourist. Thus, everyone is advised to check out the Bode Museum when in Berlin to have a memorable experience.