Event Overview
Berlin opens the new year with one of Europe’s most comprehensive museum programs — an ensemble of world-class exhibitions across the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin network.
The Winter Program 2026 brings together a wide range of exhibitions spanning classical antiquity, Renaissance masters, global contemporary art, photography, sculpture, and cross-disciplinary projects. From the Pergamon’s archaeological highlights to the Gemäldegalerie’s Old Masters and the Hamburger Bahnhof’s cutting-edge installations, Berlin State Museums offer an extraordinary winter cultural season for every type of visitor.
1 January 2026 - 31 January 2026
Locations: • Museum Island (Museumsinsel), Berlin • Kulturforum, Berlin • Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart
Mission:
The mission of the Berlin State Museums’ Winter Program is to expand global access to exceptional cultural heritage while fostering dialogue between historical collections and emerging artistic movements. Through research-focused exhibitions, educational programs, and cross-institutional collaborations, the Winter Program strengthens Berlin’s position as one of the world’s leading cultural capitals.
Organizer:
Organized by Staatliche Museen zu Berlin – Preußischer Kulturbesitz, in collaboration with partner institutions, academic departments, and international museums.
• Access world-renowned permanent collections and exclusive seasonal exhibitions • Explore multiple museums in one coordinated winter program • Discover historical masterpieces alongside groundbreaking contemporary works • Attend curator-led tours, talks, and winter evening events • Experience Berlin’s museum culture without summer crowds • Combine exhibitions across Museum Island, Kulturforum, and Hamburger Bahnhof into one seamless route
From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER):
• Airport Express FEX → Berlin Hauptbahnhof → Museum Island/Kulturforum
Travel time: approx. 35–40 minutes.
Public Transport:
• U5 directly connects to Museum Island
• Bus 100 links Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate, and Kulturforum
• S-Bahn lines (S3, S5, S7, S9) connect all major cultural districts
Walking Routes:
Many museums on Museum Island are only minutes apart, making self-guided cultural walks ideal even in winter weather.
Tickets are limited and sell out fast.
Get instant access to the official Berlin State Museums – Winter Program 2026 registration page and be the first to know about exclusive events, VIP passes, and travel perks.
Early access. Limited availability. Global art at your fingertips.
While Berlin’s museums are globally known for their permanent collections, the Winter Program was introduced to transform the slower season into a major cultural event. Aligning several institutions under a shared exhibition calendar ensures a cohesive visitor experience and encourages travelers to explore multiple venues. Over the years, the Winter Program has expanded in scale, bringing international collaborations, loan exhibitions, and new curatorial approaches that bridge past and present.
• Purchase a Museum Pass Berlin for full multi-day access
• Plan at least two days for Museum Island alone
• Arrive early for special exhibitions at the Neues Museum and Alte Nationalgalerie
• Reserve tickets online for high-demand exhibitions
• Explore evening openings at Hamburger Bahnhof
• Winter weather can be cold — plan indoor walking routes between venues
• Don’t miss smaller gems like the Bode Museum’s sculpture halls or the Kupferstichkabinett’s drawing collections
Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the world’s leading art fairs. Get direct access to the official ticketing page, exclusive updates, and important visitor information.
Early access. Limited availability. Global art at your fingertips.