27th Oct 2025: The Berlin Cathedral and the Altes Museum

The Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), rising majestically in the Lustgarten on Museum Island, is one of Germany’s largest Protestant churches. It originated in the 15th century as a chapel within the city palace. Over time, its architectural style evolved from Baroque to Neo-Renaissance, and between 1894 and 1905, it was rebuilt under the order of Emperor Wilhelm II, with designs by Julius Raschdorff. The cathedral boasts a striking dome reaching 98 to 115 meters in height, a lavishly decorated interior, a grand pipe organ, and the royal crypt of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

In contrast, the Altes Museum (Old Museum) was constructed between 1825 and 1830 by order of King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia and designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel as a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. Facing the northern side of the Lustgarten, it is distinguished by its magnificent portico with 18 Ionic columns and a rotunda inspired by the Roman Pantheon. Originally built as a royal art museum, it now houses collections of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts. In 1999, Museum Island was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the building suffered damage during World War II, it was restored by 1966. Today, it continues to serve as a cultural and educational hub for both residents and visitors.