You cannot visit Berlin without making a stop or two at these best free museums in the city centre to soak up the story this historic city has to tell.
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is steeped in history, with so many historical landmarks, museums, and monuments to visit.
Luckily, it won’t break the bank to learn about everything this city and its country have endured over the years, with the many free museums to choose from.
If you want to experience some culture for free, here are the ten best free museums in Berlin.
The World Bucket List’s top tips for visiting the best free museums in Berlin
- Be extremely respectful of your surroundings and the history of each museum.
- Make sure to check the opening hours before visiting each museum so you don’t miss out on a visit.
- If possible, arrive early to the museum, particularly if it is a popular one. This is best to avoid long queues and gain quick access.
- Some museums may ask for identification, so make sure to have ID on you.
- Also, a lot of free museums in Berlin have guided tours. Why not take one to get the most out of what the museum has to offer?
10. Bauhaus Archiv – the influence of the renowned art school
This art and design museum focuses on the famous Bauhaus School of Art, relating to its significance and influence within Germany’s world of art, design, and architecture.
Entrance is free, and you will have plenty of exhibitions to keep you entertained here, especially if this is your preferred subject.
Address: Klingelhöferstraße 14, 10785 Berlin, Germany
9. Berlin Wall Memorial – a famous historical landmark
If there is one major thing that this historic city is known for, it is the Berlin Wall, which divided West and East Berlin between 1961 and 1989.
The Berlin Wall Memorial is an exhibition space and commemoration of this very wall. It provides the visitor with a poignant reminder of this significant point in time. A trip to Berlin is not complete without a visit to this open-air museum which will feature on many visitor’s Berlin itinerary.
Related: Read The World Bucket List’s review of the best free museums in Amsterdam
Address: Bernauer Str. 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany
8. Bröhan Museum – revolving around various types of art
On the first Wednesday of every month, you will gain access to this popular museum of art, which is generally €8 any other time.
Here, you can avail of the free guided tour at 5 pm, which will allow you to view the various Art Nuovo and Art Deco artefacts on display here.
Address: Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz, 10969 Berlin, Germany
7. ANOHA – the ultimate museum for children
This free children’s museum is one of the best free museums in Berlin, especially if you are visiting the city with your kids.
With a host of entertainment options, fun activities, climbing structures, and interactive features, this is the perfect place to keep the little ones and young at heart entertained all day long.
Read: our list of the best free museums in Paris, France
Address: Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz, 10969 Berlin, Germany
6. Anti War Museum – the private museum against war
This small and private museum is a must-see, not only because it is completely free every day of the week, but you will learn so much from the historical displays there.
Founded by pacifist and activist Ernst Friedrich, who is known for his famous photo book War Against War!, this significant museum displays photos, objects, and documents from both World Wars.
Address: Brüsseler Str. 21, 13353 Berlin, Germany
5. Museum at the Kulturbrauerei – a museum with so much to offer
In this historical brewery, you can not only enjoy arts and entertainment.
Rather, it is home to a history museum with an incredible exhibit called ‘Everyday life in the GDR’, featuring many documents, films to watch, and sound recordings.
Address: Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin, Germany
4. Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt – a brave story
One of the best free museums in Berlin is the Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt, hidden in a passageway of the city. It tells the story of Otto Weidt, who protected his Jewish workers from persecution.
Tours of this 1940s factory are given and are an important, albeit emotional, experience to have while in this city.
Address: Rosenthaler Str. 39, 10178 Berlin, Germany
3. Nazi Forced Labour Documentation Centre – the focus is on human rights
This free museum focuses on the deprivation of human rights during WW2.
It is an important place for history lovers and those wanting to learn more about the Nazi regime and forced labour in particular.
Address: Britzer Str. 5, 12439 Berlin, Germany
2. Allied Museum – life in post-war West Berlin
One of the best museums to learn more about allied life after the war in the former region of West Berlin is the Allied Museum.
This free museum is just a 30-minute train ride from Berlin Central Station.
Read more: some of the best things to do in Berlin in winter
Address: Clayallee 135, 14195 Berlin, Germany
1. German Historical Museum – an array of historical exhibitions
With a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits based around German history, this is one of the best free museums to visit in Berlin.
The German Historical Museum offers the chance to delve a little deeper into the country’s turbulent past. This is undoubtedly one of the best free museums in Berlin.
Address: Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Museums are the ultimate way to really get to know the culture and history of a city at your own pace.
Depending on how long you find yourself in this vibrant city, you will never get bored of things to see, do, and learn in Berlin.
Notable mentions
German-Russian Museum: The German-Russian Museum is a truly fascinating museum, focusing on the German-Soviet War of 1941 to 1945.
Museum Island: Museum Island is a fantastic museum complex, home to various museums. Must-visits include the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, the Altes Museum, and more.
Checkpoint Charlie: Museum Checkpoint Charlie is not free to enter. However, you can visit this iconic historical site free of charge.
East Side Gallery: The East Side Gallery is a beautiful art gallery space running along the east side of the former Berlin Wall. With plenty of beautiful and thought-provoking art, the East Side Gallery space is not just for art-lovers.
Berlin Energy Museum: The Berlin Energy Museum is one of the top free museums in the city, documenting over 130 years of energy history. If this interests you, then you must visit the Berlin Energy Museum.
Berlin Sports Museum: Located at the home of Berlin’s Olympiapark, Berlin Sports Museum is a must-visit for sports fanatics.
Berlin Natural History Museum: This fascinating museum in the city centre is one of Berlin’s best-loved museums, making it a must-visit while in the city.
READ ALSO: Top 10 best free museums in Amsterdam
Your questions answered about the best free museums in Berlin
If you still have questions regarding the best free museums in Berlin after reading our top ten choices, we have you covered! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions and popular questions that have been asked online about this topic.
Are Berlin museums free for students?
Not all museums in the city offer free entry for students. However, many will offer free or reduced admission.
Are museums in Berlin free on Sundays?
Since 2021, many museums in Berlin have been free to visit on Sundays.
Is the Berlin Museum Pass worth it?
It depends on what you want to do. If you’re hoping to pack a lot into a short time period, the Berlin Museum Pass is definitely worth it!
What is the difference between the Berlin City Pass and the Berlin WelcomeCard?
The WelcomeCard provides discounts at over 180 places, while the Berlin City Pass at around 70 or so.
