Münzkabinett

The Münzkabinett features coins dating from the beginning of coinage in the 7th century B.C. to the present day.

The Münzkabinett (English: Coin Cabinet) of the State Museums in Berlin is one of the largest numismatic collections in the world. It comprises approximately 500,000 objects, with about 5,000 coins and medals on display on Museum Island. The globally recognized collection spans the period from the beginning of coinage in the 7th century B.C. to the 21st century. The collection also includes historical seals, coin-making tools, dies, currency forms from indigenous peoples and casts.

A numismatic collection with a long history

The Münzkabinett has a long history. It traces its origins to the Kunstkammer of the Electors of Brandenburg, which already contained approximately 5,000 ancient coins in 1649. Since 1868, the Cabinet has held the status of an independent museum. The steadily growing collection survived World War II in the air-raid shelter of the Pergamon Museum, was subsequently taken to the Soviet Union, and returned to Berlin in 1958.

The Münzkabinett at two exhibition venues

The Münzkabinett's collection is displayed in exhibitions held in two buildings on the Museum Island. At the Bode Museum, the Münzkabinett's objects illustrate the importance of coins as a means of communication. This highlights how closely the history of money is linked to the history of humanity. Parts of the numismatic collection also complement the collection of ancient art at the Altes Museum. A selection of objects can also be admired at the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum.

Address, Opening Hours and Contact Information

• Address:
  Monbijoustraße 3
  10117 Berlin
  City map
• Phone: [phone]
• Internet: www.smb.museum
• Opening Hours: Bode Museum and Altes Museum: Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Monday.
• Admission Fee:
  €14, concessions €7
• Tickets:
  • Bode-Museum »
  • Altes Museum »