German Unity Day at the Bode Museum: Pay What You Want

On German Unity Day, October 3, 2026, the Bode Museum will let visitors decide for themselves how much to pay for admission.

Bode-Museum, Museumsinsel Berlin

Regardless of the admission price chosen, visitors can explore all exhibition areas of the Bode Museum. These include, among other things, the official portrait of former Chancellor Angela Merkel and the special exhibition “Photography Tells the Story of Sculpture.”

The Portrait of the Chancellor

Angela Merkel served as Chancellor for 16 years. The French-German-Canadian artist Jérémie Queyras has created an official portrait of her. The painting will be on display in the Chancellor’s Gallery at the Federal Chancellery in the future and is currently on view at the Bode Museum.

Photography Tells the Story of Sculpture

The special exhibition “Photography Tells the Story of Sculpture” juxtaposes sculptures from the Bode Museum’s collection with their photographic reproductions. More than 60 photographs are paired with seven selected sculptures dating from the 11th to the 17th centuries. The exhibition explores how photography changes the way we view sculptures and influences our perception of them through perspective, framing, and lighting. It runs through October 4, 2026.

Guided Tours and Workshop

On October 3, guided tours titled “The Portrait Through the Ages” will also be offered. They begin on the hour and cost 6 euros. For visitors of all ages, there will also be a free drop-in workshop titled “Give Me a Face” from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants can create their own portraits using collage and printing techniques.

Book Signing with Angela Merkel

On October 4, 2026, Angela Merkel will be a guest at the Bode Museum from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Standing directly in front of her portrait, she will sign art postcards featuring the portrait alongside the artist Jérémie Queyras. Regular museum admission applies to the signing event. Advance registration is required and can be completed online or at the ticket office. Space is limited. Last admission is at 2:40 p.m.

Runtime: Sat, 03/10/2026 to Sat, 03/10/2026

Next date:

• Date Saturday, 03/October/2026 10:00 bis 18:00
• Venue Bode-Museum
• Address Am Kupfergraben, 10117 Berlin-Mitte