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Why is the Pergamon Museum important?
Built between 1910 and 1930, the Pergamon is one of the museums constituting the internationally acclaimed National Museums of Berlin. Considered a masterpiece of the Hellenistic Age, this ancient Greek structure was shipped to Berlin in 1910, and the museum was built, in part, to house it.
Why is the Pergamon Museum controversial?
Both of these extraordinary artifacts were transported from Turkey, and since its opening in 1930, there has been controversy over the legitimacy of the acquisition of the collection. Many have suggested that the collection be returned to Turkey.
How long does the Pergamon Museum take?
The Pergamon Museum is often said to be too hot and humid: when there are crowds inside, the experience of the visit could get really unpleasant. The average visit lasts about 2 hours (or about 4 hours if you’re a real museum nerd).
What can you see in the Pergamon Museum?
Highlights of the Pergamon Museum
- The famous Ishtar Gate from Babylon.
- The Asia Minor Pergamon Altar with its elaborate reliefs (currently closed)
- Roman Market Gate of Miletus from the early 2nd century A.D.
- The filigree Mshatta Façade from a Jordanian desert castle.
- Statuette of a Praying Man from Assur.
Why is the Pergamon Altar in Berlin?
To protect the antique structure during World War II, it was moved to a bunker near the city zoo. The Soviet Union claimed the Pergamon Altar after the end of the war, moving it to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). It was relocated to Berlin in 1958.
Does Pergamum exist today?
Pergamum, Greek Pergamon, ancient Greek city in Mysia, situated 16 miles from the Aegean Sea on a lofty isolated hill on the northern side of the broad valley of the Caicus (modern Bakır) River. The site is occupied by the modern town of Bergama, in the il (province) of İzmir, Turkey.
Does the Ishtar Gate still exist?
The site was unearthed by the prominent German archaeologist Robert Koldewey, whose excavation of Babylon lasted from 1899 until 1917. The remnants of the original gate and Processional Way have been housed in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum since that institution’s founding in 1930.
Who designed the Pergamon Museum?
Alfred Messel
Ludwig Hoffmann
Pergamonmuseum/Architects
The Pergamonmuseum was designed by Alfred Messel; its construction was overseen by Ludwig Hoffmann and lasted twenty years, from 1910 to 1930. A smaller building initially stood on the same site for a just few years before being torn down.
How many museums are on Museum Island Berlin?
five museums
Museum Island is a unique ensemble of five museums on Spree Island in the district of Mitte in Berlin. The entire complex is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
When was the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin built?
1909
Pergamonmuseum/Opened
Is the Pergamon open?
Berlin’s Pergamon Museum is being completely renovated for the first time since it opened in 1930, and thus the north wing with the famous Pergamon Altar is closed. Until its reopening in 2024, the multimedia exhibition “Pergamon Museum. The Panorama” will serve as a substitute.