Alte Nationalgalerie

Designed by the renowned architects Friedrich August Stüler and Johann Heinrich Strack, the Alte Nationalgalerie is a masterpiece of 19th-century museum architecture. The building is noted for its modern construction techniques for the time, utilizing brick and iron, which led to the widespread belief that it was fireproof. The exterior and the outer staircase were constructed of stone, contributing to its grand Neoclassical and Eclectic appearance. The structure was specifically designed to house the national collection of art, with a layout that facilitates the display of large-scale paintings and sculptures.

The museum's collection is renowned for its extensive holdings of 19th-century paintings and sculptures. It features significant works from the Romantic period, including Caspar David Friedrich's famous painting 'The Watzmann' (1824–1825), which is displayed in the Friedrich Room. The sculpture hall is anchored by Johann Gottfried Schadow's 'Princess Group' (1795–1797). The collection also boasts a major representation of Impressionism, with works by artists such as Edgar Degas, whose 'Orchestra Musicians' (1872) is a notable highlight. The museum holds one of the largest collections of 19th-century sculptures and paintings in Germany.

The Alte Nationalgalerie stands as a testament to the cultural and artistic developments of the 19th century, bridging the gap between the Neoclassical era and the modern movements of Impressionism and Realism. Its location on Museum Island places it at the heart of Berlin's cultural landscape, making it a central institution for the study of European art history. The museum has played a crucial role in the restitution of art, as evidenced by the restitution of a work in October 2021. Its collection and architecture continue to serve as a vital resource for scholars and the public, preserving the artistic heritage of the 19th century.