The Berlin State Museums Winter Program is designed as a city-wide cultural journey, bringing together the finest collections in Germany under one seasonal umbrella. Visitors can explore rare archaeological findings, masterpieces of European art history, modernist classics, and ambitious contemporary works presented through innovative curatorial frameworks. Each museum prepares its own winter highlights, ensuring that the January program becomes one of the richest and most diverse cultural offerings in Europe.

This program is ideal for travelers who want to experience Berlin through its artistic, historical, and intellectual layers. Exhibition themes include the rediscovery of ancient civilizations, the evolution of European portraiture, global political narratives in contemporary art, and new dialogues between historical museum collections and modern digital practices. Temporary exhibitions rotate between major institutions, allowing visitors to design personalized museum routes across the city.

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.

Berlin State Museums – Winter Program 2026: Your Complete Visitor Guide

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.

Dates:

1 January 2026 - 31 January 2026

Location:

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.

Why attend to Berlin State Museums – Winter Program 2026?

• 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

Getting There:

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.

Gallery: Berlin State Museums – Winter Program 2026

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History of Berlin State Museums – Winter Program 2026

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.

Tips for Visitors of Berlin State Museums – Winter Program 2026

• 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

Be the First to Access Official Berlin State Museums – Winter Program 2026 Tickets

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Early access. Limited availability. Global art at your fingertips.

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions