This was a terrific experience. We wanted to see the ancient Egyptian art and artifacts. We only had time for one of the museum island greats so we picked this one. We started at the lower level and worked our way up. The thoughtful layout brought us to the second floor and we must admit that Seeing the Queen Nefertiti bust was the highlight. But there is another level above that that is equally as interesting. We spent so much more time there than I expected. Nicely done, for sure. We got our tickets on line and went first thing (10 am) on a Sunday morning. It was pretty crowded by the time we left.

The selection of Egyptian treasures are amazing, very well laid out and labelled. The highlight is Nefertiti’s bust, it’s exquisite. There are lifts to all floors, an awful lot to see and take in, perhaps you need more than one visit. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The only negative is the staff on the reception are brusque and unfriendly so it is a bad first impression.

Armed with timed-entry tickets, we headed back to the Neues Museum, which turned out to be the Altes Museum, Part II. The collections were a similarly mixed bag of explorer’s donations and musty displays, but of other ancient civilizations, all in a striking building that was sometimes modern (particularly the portions rebuilt after WWII) and sometimes had the walls painted to match the displays (e.g. with faded murals). The Egypt collection was very fine, including some very lovely delicate sculptures. (Assertion: Egypt is the most successful human civilization ever. Discuss!) The famous holdings include the head of Nefertiti, which was as mobbed as the Mona Lisa. I started to take a picture of the crowd, but was barked at by a guard; they had no problems with photography elsewhere, so I imagine that the issue is one of copyright i.e. the museum sells images of the sculpture.

The Neues Museum house a much smaller collection than in the Louvre or British Museum, but the quality of the pieces is exceptional. The only downside is that photos of the Nefertiti bust are not permitted from within the gallery. It is somewhat understandable, but irritating.

Every time I come to Berlin (which is about once a year), I make a ritual visit to the Golden Hat and Nefertiti at the Neues Museum. I always learn something new from the other permanent exhibits. In addition to being once again impressed by the good lighting and informative bilingual descriptions in the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age galleries, I discovered the haunting notes from the replicated Bronze Age horns, whose sound transported me across millennia. Nefertiti was as timelessly lovely as ever, but this museum offers so much more.

Nearly walked out before we even purchased tickets. All we asked was if there was a discount with the Berlin welcome card. A Male member of staff selling the tickets shouted at us so loud that the noise echoed around the whole reception area. YOU Don't GET FREE ENTRY WITH 5 Day welcome ticket. He was so loud and went on and on about needing a 3 day ticket. As an elderly retired couple we found his attitude very intimidating. All the other reception staff just stared at us. We purchased tickets but did not feel comfortable for the rest of the visit. Such a shame because it is a very interesting museum.

Visited this place for a second time while in the area. The artefacts are wonderful and the best object on display is the ceramic bust of Nefertiti, which is situated on the top floor. Sadly, although you was examine it close up you cannot photograph it from close and you must stand outside the room. The museum is situated on Museum Island which is just off the main road. There are steps to climb for those with difficulties although I think there are lifts too. Objects are placed over 3 floors with the famous bust on the top. They are all displayed within their own Eras. Staff are there to assist too. Although there are about 4 museums to examine, you can't do them all in one day, so if viewers like museums, just take your time and visit them over a few days. The place is beautiful though and well worth a visit for the day.

Neues Museum has thousands of evaluations. I will limit myself to confirm that it is a must visit place for all people interested in understanding the history of the world from ancient times to today. This was not my first time and, for sure, will not be the last.

I loved the whole Museum Island experience which makes for a fabulous day out - the day tickets are excellent value but you still need to book time slots even with these - and watch the time as you can easily spend hours looking and learning. There is a lot to look at and learn here with wonderful history and artefacts. In contrast to some of the reviews I found the staff nothing but courteous. I had no problems at all photographing pretty much everything.

Museum Island is made up of five museums, certain museums are open during certain days and hours. Try to get a time stamped ticket for the first opening time and get there about a half hour before the museums open to avoid long lines. I would not try to see all the museums in one day, spread it out over two or three days if possible.