Two-hundred years of institutional history showcased at Berlin's Museum Island
Beginning on June 1st and continuing until the 3rd, an Island Festival will be held in Berlin to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Museum Island. The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) has organized this event, which will offer a variety of activities for visitors. The open-air stage set up in the colonnade courtyard between the New Museum and the Old National Gallery will host numerous performances.
Approximately 70 free guided tours will provide insights into Museum Island's history and architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. A day ticket costing 14 euros will grant access to all buildings in the historic ensemble and special exhibitions.
The Island Festival marks the start of a five-year program by the SPK to celebrate Museum Island's 200th anniversary, which will feature various special exhibitions.
Museum Island, a significant cultural landmark, will celebrate its 200th anniversary with ongoing events and initiatives, according to announcements by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK). The main celebrations are centered on the year 2025, but the SPK's cultural and educational programming will extend beyond that period, reflecting ongoing projects, restoration efforts, and international collaborations associated with Museum Island.
During the anniversary year, special exhibitions and programs will invite visitors to explore Museum Island's collections from prehistory to the early 19th century and approach its cultural offerings in new ways. In addition to the Island Festival, other highlights include educational and outreach programs, digital engagement, and public events at satellite locations like Hamburger Bahnhof to complement the anniversary programming. The ensemble of museum buildings' unique architecture, reflecting different periods, will also be celebrated as part of the anniversary experience.
Visitors can look forward to reduced or free museum entry during the Island Festival, as well as access to all six museums on Museum Island. The outdoor festival events are free of charge, while museum entry is reduced or free for holders of certain annual tickets and children under 18.
At the Island Festival, visitors can explore Museum Island's unique home-and-garden and lifestyle influences, as well as the rich cultural-travel opportunities offered by this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the 2025 main celebrations, the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (SPK) has planned a five-year program, including travel-worthy special exhibitions and educational programs that connect Museum Island's history to the present.
