Pergamonmuseum

Pergamonmuseum review

One of the world's major archaeological museums, the Pergamon should not be missed. Its treasures, comprising the Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities) and the Vorderasiastisches Museum (Museum of Near Eastern Antiquities), contain three major draws. The first is the Hellenistic Pergamon Altar, dating from 170-159 BC; huge as it is, the museum's partial re-creation represents only one third of its original size. In an adjoining room, and even more architecturally impressive, is the towering two-storey Roman Market Gate of Miletus (29 metres/95 feet wide and almost 17 metres/56 feet high), erected in AD 120. This leads through to the third of the big attractions - the extraordinary blue and ochre tiled Gate of Ishtar and the Babylonian Processional Street, dating from the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 BC). There are plenty of other gems in the museum that are also worth seeking out, including some stunning Assyrian reliefs.

The museum is also now home to the Museum für Islamische Kunst (Museum of Islamic Art), which takes up some 14 rooms in the southern wing. The collection is wide ranging, including applied arts, crafts, books and architectural details from the eighth to the 19th century. Entrance is included in the overall admission price, as is an excellent audio guide. Note that the Pergamon is currently undergoing renovation, which is happening in stages.