Berlin
Germany

Europe’s hippest capital boasts non-stop nightlife, cutting-edge fashion, cosmopolitan eats and museum treasures galore. At the centre of the World and Cold Wars, it also oozes history, much of it sobering.
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© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin / David von Becker
First opened in 1830, the Gemaldegalerie is one of Europe’s finest assemblies of European art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance (13th-18th centuries).
Although Italians such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Rubens and Titian grab the limelight, at the heart of the museum are its Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, notably 16 works by Rembrandt at the height of his powers.
Other gems to look for include Franz Hals’ Mad Babette, Bruegel’s impish Netherlandish Proverbs and Vermeer’s Glass of Wine.
The octagonal Rembrandt room at the heart of the museum is not to be missed. Sixteen works form one of the world’s most outstanding collections of Rembrandt’s paintings.
Take the S- or U-Bahn to Potsdamer Platz and walk 500m west on Potsdamer Strasse. The museum is set back from the road in the Kulturforum complex on your right.
The audio guide included with admission offers a good self-guided tour of the museum. Watch the museum calendar for special exhibitions.
It’s open all year round, Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday.
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Germany
Europe’s hippest capital boasts non-stop nightlife, cutting-edge fashion, cosmopolitan eats and museum treasures galore. At the centre of the World and Cold Wars, it also oozes history, much of it sobering.