Neue Nationalgalerie

The Neue Nationalgalerie’s imposing steel and glass box near Potsdamer Platz is a mecca for lovers of contemporary art and architecture. The building, a striking modern work from Mies van der Rohe has almost 5,000 square meters of exhibition space and close to 800 meters of wall space; it opened in 1968.

The light-filled upper level is often used for special exhibits, such as large-scale sculptures or paintings. The vast lower level also has space for themed shows, and in addition, contains a café, shop, and the museum’s permanent collection, which ranges from early modern art to art of the 1960’s.

Twentieth-century masters to be seen here include Cubists Picasso, Gris and Léger, Surrealists Ernst, Dalí and Miró, Bauhaus instructors Klee and Kandinsky, and Expressionists such as those from Die Brücke group, Heckel, Schmidt-Rottluff, and Kirchner, whose “Potsdamer Platz” is a must-see for a historic look at Berlin.

Colour Field paintings from Frank Stella, Barnett Newman and Ellsworth Kelly should also not be missed. However, during special exhibits, the permanent collection is not on view. On request, guests may enter the garden to view the figurative and abstract sculptures on display there. Some special exhibits feature the LIVE!SPEAKERS, specially trained and especially friendly guides who are ready to answer questions, explain works of art, and point out their favourites to museum visitors.