Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Pergamon Museum's renovation, a true treasure trove of history and culture in Berlin!
A Must-See Attraction, Temporarily Closed
The Pergamon Museum, nestled on UNESCO's Museum Island, is a top attraction in Berlin. However, it's currently closed for a massive renovation project that will keep some parts shuttered for an astonishing 14 to 20 years! But here's the silver lining: some of its most iconic exhibits will be accessible to visitors much sooner than expected.
A Preview of the Renovation
On December 4th, a press event unveiled the museum's monumental restoration efforts. Federal government commissioner for culture and the media, Wolfram Weimer, described it as "a treasure of humanity" and a "sensation" that is expected to draw millions of visitors due to its global significance.
Preserving History and Heritage
The Pergamon Museum, commissioned by German Emperor Wilhelm II, was built between 1910 and 1930 according to Alfred Messel's plans. It's a protected national heritage site, and the renovation aims to preserve its architectural integrity and original building techniques.
The museum suffered severe damage during World War II, with air raids and artillery fire taking their toll. Post-war East Germany lacked the funds for a proper refurbishment, so the current restoration process is not only modernizing the museum but also preserving its history. Some war damage will be left as a testament to the city's past, while natural deterioration is being repaired.
Engineering Challenges and Unexpected Discoveries
The museum's location next to the Spree River on unstable, sandy ground required significant reinforcement. Over 700 high-strength steel bars, known as micropiles, were used to anchor the foundations. This led to an unexpected challenge: while drilling to install the micropiles, two pumping stations from the initial construction were discovered. These stations, built to drain groundwater, had never been fully dismantled and were covered without documentation, adding an unplanned step and costs to the renovation.
A Costly Undertaking
The budget for the first phase of renovation has reached nearly €500 million, twice the initial estimate. The entire project is planned to cost about €1.5 billion.
Treasures to Be Rediscovered in 2027
So, what treasures await visitors in 2027?
The Pergamon Altar, excavated in the ancient city of Pergamon (now in Turkey) in the 1870s by Carl Humann, will once again be accessible in its own hall. This 2nd-century BC temple structure, with its high-relief frieze depicting the battle between the Giants and the Olympian gods, is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The space is now flooded with light, thanks to renewed glass elements in the ceiling, and a new protective glass roof structure has been added.
Other major exhibits, like the Mshatta Facade, an early Islamic art treasure dating back to the Umayyad period, and the Aleppo Room with its intricately painted wooden panels, have been moved to new spaces. The Alhambra Cupola, a carved wooden dome from the 14th century, has also been temporarily relocated and will return with sensory features like audio installations and fragrance stations.
A Unique Blend of Islamic Art and Antiquity
The Pergamon Museum's collection is unique in its combination of Islamic Art and Ancient Greek treasures. Marion Ackermann, director general of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, notes that this concept was established with the museum's founding to highlight the connection between its Antiquity exhibits and the regions where Islamic cultures developed.
"Cultures never arise in complete isolation," Ackermann says. "They always exist through interaction with one another or in transcultural processes."
Get ready to explore this fascinating blend of cultures and discover the bright, meticulously restored Pergamon Museum in spring 2027!
And this is the part most people miss: the story behind the museum's renovation is just as captivating as its exhibits. So, what do you think? Are you excited to visit this historic site once it reopens? Share your thoughts in the comments!
