Located just across the road from the Berliner Dom and Museum Island in the center of the city is the Berlin Palace, formerly the Royal Palace.
It was once the home of Brandenburg Electors, Prussian Kings, and German Emperors from the 15th century until the end of the First World War.
It was largely destroyed during WW2 bombing raids and finished off by the East German Government.
The reconstructed palace was opened in 2020, and today, it houses the Humboldt Forum, a museum of world cultures.
The overall theme of the institution is “dialogue with the cultures of the world”, namely the ones beyond Europe.
Come check out the 27 meter wide panoramic screen that displays 800 years of the site’s history.
The building also houses the Ethnological Museum, which contains archaeological and artistic objects from Africa, Asia, America and Oceania.
There are also several temporary exhibits and installations to enjoy, some free and some with a cost.
You can also descend into the cellar to see the remains of walls from the original palace complex.
THE PALACE CELLAR
Just across Unter den Linden from Museum Island is the reconstructed Berlin Palace, which houses the Humboldt Forum.
Inside is a great, free exhibit that will surely interest those interested in history and archaeology.
Once inside, follow the signs for the Palace Cellar till you reach a flight of stairs with some original palace foundation piles hanging above.
Below is an exhibition highlighting some of the artifacts found on the site before the construction of the forum.
This site has been used since the Middle Ages, having been a Dominican monastery, a royal palace, a GDR palace, and its current use as a museum of the Humboldt Forum.
Highlights include foundation walls, coins, combs, buttons, pottery, heating systems, a water pumping station.
There are even some bronze taps harking back to the brewing traditions of those Dominican monks.
No tickets are required, just pop in when you are here to enjoy this wonderful, free exhibition.
Learn more about this cellar exhibition.
ROOF TERRACE
And no visit to the palace is complete without heading to the rooftop terrace for wonderful views of Unter den Linden, Museum Island and the TV Tower.
It costs just €5 per adult.
The terrace is situated 30 meters or 100 feet above ground-level.
There’s an elevator to the top and the terrace is wheel-chair accessible.
There is also a restaurant located here that provides these views from an interior space.
There aren’t many drawbacks other than perhaps the hours of operation. The terrace is open every day but Tuesdays, from 10:30 in the morning till just 6 pm.
And while the view is pleasing, due to its height, the view is limited compared to other observation decks in Berlin.
In my opinion, it isn't the best observation deck, but the view of Unter den Linden and Museum Island is very pleasant.
So, if you are coming here, then do consider taking a few moments to visit the terrace.
