International Museum Day

May 17, 2026

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  Futurium Berlin

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  Entrance hall of the Bode Museum

Since 1992, International Museum Day has been accompanied by an annually changing motto and is held under the patronage of the President of the Federal Council.

There are many reasons to start a collection - be it scientific curiosity, the claim to preserve cultural assets for posterity or to document developments. At the same time, collecting is one of the oldest passions of mankind. From the early cabinets of curiosities to princely and private collections to today's museums, museum collections offer exciting insights. No collection is random; each has a history and serves as a bridge between the cultural past and the present.

Showcasing the Diversity of Berlin's Museums

The aim of International Museum Day is to draw attention to the broad spectrum of museum work and the thematic diversity of the approximately 6,500 museums in Germany. Established in 1977, International Museum Day aims to give museums and their staff around the world the opportunity to work together to highlight the importance of their work as a contribution to cultural and social life.

International Museum Day 2026: Selected Highlights

• At the Unterwelten Museum, the exhibition "Hitler’s Plans for Berlin" vividly illustrates the ideological and architectural visions of the Nazi era against the backdrop of the original underground setting.
• The Futurium combines futurology with fun and excitement, for example through an interactive escape rally centered around a scientific mystery.
• At the Museum of Natural History, visitors can see dinosaurs such as the famous T. rex Tristan Otto, as well as spectacular fossils.
• The New Synagogue offers guided tours exploring queer perspectives in Judaism and the synagogue’s eventful history.
• At the Musical Instrument Museum, visitors can not only learn about the legendary Hammond organ, but also try playing it themselves in workshops.
• At the museum in the Kulturbrauerei, the permanent exhibition "Everyday Life in the GDR" explores how people lived and what daily life was like. It also examines the hopes and dreams of children in the GDR.

In addition, many museums will open their doors on May 17 with free admission and offer engaging guided tours for all audiences.

At a Glance

• Event: International Museum Day 2026
• Location: Museums all over Berlin
• Start: 17 May 2026
• Admission Fee:
  Admission is usually free of charge
• Program: www.museumsportal-berlin.de