The Neues Museum (New Museum) is a museum in Berlin, Germany, located on the Museum Island in the Mitte district. It was designed by architect Friedrich August Stüler and opened in 1855. The museum was closed during World War II, and much of its collection was damaged or destroyed. After reunification, the museum underwent extensive restoration and renovation, reopening to the public in 2009.
The Neues Museum houses a collection of Egyptian, prehistoric, and classical artifacts, as well as works of art from the ancient Mediterranean world. Its most famous exhibit is the bust of Nefertiti, a 3,300-year-old limestone sculpture of the queen of Egypt's 18th dynasty.
The museum's collection also includes Greek and Roman artifacts, including statues, vases, and coins, as well as prehistoric artifacts from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. Other highlights of the museum include a collection of Etruscan art and a reconstructed chamber from the Bronze Age settlement at Troy.
The Neues Museum's architecture is noteworthy for its combination of classicism and modernism, reflecting Stüler's interest in ancient art and architecture. The museum's interior was designed by British architect David Chipperfield, who sought to balance the building's historic character with modern amenities. The result is a museum that seamlessly blends the old and the new, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience of ancient art and culture.