Talk about a lesson on Germany. There was so much information, and we only had a couple of hours to take it all in before closing time.

There are many objects relating to Germany from the very beginning. We started with the early 1900s, sort of because that's just where we ended up. It is not the most easily navigated museum. Then we worked our way back to the beginning of German time.

Captions are all in German and English. There is plenty to read. Everything is well explained. If you are a slow reader, you will want to schedule a lot more time for this museum. I found it difficult to pass anything up. I was pressed for time and trying to rush through, but every caption I saw, I had to stop and read for fear I would miss something fascinating or important to whatever caption I would read next. The artifacts are fine, but the really interesting materials are the written explanations.

We made jokes about being unable to find the exhibit concerning the years of World War II, but then we managed to locate it. And they didn't gloss over anything. We read about all facets of the war and the years following. It is a dark part of Germany's history, but it is still a part and must be presented.

I was overwhelmingly impressed by this museum. It was my travel partners' choice, as I usually opt for art museums over history museums, but I am glad I let them make the decision on which museum to visit. I have German ancestors, but never before have I been able to learn so much about their—and therefore my—history at one time.

Make sure you have a lot of time, then treat yourself to one of the best German history lessons you will ever get.

German Historical Museum
10am-6pm
Admission: 4 euro (students)

Berlin has a number of excellent museums although none are as well known as say the Louvre or the British Museum. However, what they lack in international fame they do make up for by being mostly conveniently located within close proximity on Museum Island in the heart of Berlin. Museum Island was the location of the first settlements in Berlin during the 13th century and has been at the center of action ever since.

Approaching the island from Unter den Linden Boulevard, you cross the magnificent Schlossbrücke (Castle Bridge), which is lined with classical statues. Directly across from the bridge is the copper colored Palast der Republik (Palace of the Republic), the former parliament of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) (see more in East Berlin journal entry).

On your right is the Schlossplatz (Castle Square), formerly known as the Marx-Engels Square. The Hohenzollern-family, which first ruled Prussia and then a united Germany, had their seat of power here for about 500 years. The Stadtschloss (City Castle) was not severely damaged during the Second World War but was torn down by the East Government in the early 1950s when such symbols of noble class excesses were out of favor with the egalitarian aims of the Soviet-style GDR.

To the left is the Berliner Dom – this Protestant Cathedral was constructed in 1750 in a more simple Baroque style but altered several times since. It went through a Neo-Classical style, then Neo-Baroque and then refashioned by the East German authorities shortly before the fall of the Wall. Reconstruction is continuing. With a little bit of luck you can enjoy a free organ recital while studying the rich Neo-Baroque interior – program notices are posted at the door. Unless you are family or really interested, a visit to the recently opened Hohenzollern mausoleum in the basement is a waste of time and instantly forgettable.

Next to the Dom is the beautiful Neo-Classical Altes Museum which houses Greek and Roman antiquities. The Neues Museum houses Egyptian Antiquities but maybe closed at times due to restoration work. Some of the pillars of the veranda between these two museums seem to have bullet marks from the War – could also be dry rot, so don’t quote me on it.

You actually have to leave the island and reenter it to visit the magnificent Pergamon Museum, which houses reconstructed parts of ancient towns. The last two buildings on the northern end of the island, the Alte Nationalgalerie and the Bodenmuseum, were both undergoing renovation during our visit but should reopen soon. Art treasures, which were also split up during the Cold War, will be regrouped and housed in the various museums and galleries.

Just off Museum Island towards Unter den Linden will be the new German History Museum. Meanwhile part of the collection can be seen nearby at the Kronprinzenpalast.

Combination tickets are available to include visits to all state run museums at surprisingly low fares.