German Historical Museum (DHM): German history in one place

Updated on October 9, 2026

The Deutsches Historisches Museum (DHM, German Historical Museum) is Berlin's major museum of German history, on Unter den Linden opposite the Museum Island. One essential point before you come: the Zeughaus, the former Baroque arsenal, and the permanent exhibition that covered two thousand years of German history are closed for building work. According to the museum's management, the historic building is not expected to reopen with a new permanent exhibition before 2031. Only the Pei-Bau, the glass annex designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, remains open, with temporary exhibitions. Allow one to two hours; it is open daily from 10am to 6pm (€7 for one exhibition, €10 with the combined ticket, free up to age 18).

Highlights

The Zeughaus, closed but worth admiring

Built between the late 17th and early 18th century, it is one of the oldest buildings on Unter den Linden. Closed for technical renovation since 2021, it can be seen from outside: its Baroque façade remains a landmark of the avenue.

The Pei-Bau

This is the museum's entrance today, on the Hinter dem Gießhaus side. The glass-and-stone annex, opened in 2003, hosts temporary exhibitions. In October 2026 two are on show: "Natur und deutsche Geschichte. Glaube – Biologie – Macht" (Nature and German History: Faith – Biology – Power) and "Objekte. Geschichte. Geschichten" (Objects. History. Stories), a look into the museum's collections.

A visit without the permanent exhibition

Without the overview of German history, the DHM no longer replaces a survey of the country's past. For that, look instead at the Topography of Terror (1933-1945), the DDR Museum (everyday life in the East) or the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Practical info

Tips

Prices seen in October 2026: €7 for one exhibition (€3.50 reduced), €10 for the combined ticket (€5 reduced), free up to age 18. Entry is free on 9 November and 3 December 2026; the museum is closed on 15 October and 24 December 2026. The café is closed during the works, so plan to eat elsewhere, for example in the Nikolaiviertel. There is a water fountain in the Pei-Bau basement. Exhibitions change: check the programme on the museum's website before you go. If you have the Museumspass, check what it covers before buying a ticket.

How to get there

Unter den Linden 2, 10117 Berlin; the visitor entrance to the Pei-Bau is at Hinter dem Gießhaus 3. Bus 100 to Staatsoper or Lustgarten; U6 to Französische Straße or U5 to Museumsinsel, a few minutes on foot. The Berlin Cathedral and the Museum Island are across the Spree, and Bebelplatz is a 5-minute walk west. The Humboldt Forum is close by.