German Historical Museum Guide
The Zeughaus and the Pei Building: what is closed, what is open and who should still go.
The German Historical Museum occupies two very different buildings at the eastern end of Unter den Linden: the Zeughaus, a Baroque arsenal, and the Pei Building, a modern glass-and-stone wing behind it. The Zeughaus and the permanent exhibition on German history are currently closed during building work, so check the official site before you plan anything around them. The Pei Building, which hosts temporary exhibitions, is open.
What each building is
The Zeughaus was begun in 1695 as a weapons store for the Prussian army and is one of the finest Baroque buildings in Berlin. Its exterior is still a pleasure to stand in front of, from the other side of Unter den Linden, where it faces the Neue Wache and Humboldt University. The Pei Building was designed by I. M. Pei and opened in the 1990s. Its curved glass stair hall is the memorable part, and its exhibitions change, so the programme decides whether a visit makes sense.
Should you go right now?
Our advice is to go only if the current temporary exhibition interests you. Without the permanent display, the museum is a shorter, narrower visit than it normally is, and the surrounding streets give you more on a first trip. If you want the sweep of German history in one place, the nearby Humboldt Forum and the DDR Museum cover different parts of it, and the Berlin Wall Memorial covers the division of the city.
How it fits into the day
The museum stands beside Museum Island, a few steps from the bridge that leads onto it, so it combines easily with a day in the historic centre. A reasonable order is Brandenburg Gate, a walk east along the avenue, a look at the Zeughaus, then the Island. Make it a 90 minute stop at most, and do not buy a combined ticket on the assumption that the permanent exhibition is included. Ask at the desk or read the website first.
Who it suits: history enthusiasts who follow the exhibition programme, and visitors who want a quiet museum after the crowds of the Island. If you are on a short trip, skip it and come back when the Zeughaus reopens.
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