Accessible visit to the Neues Museum
The way in
All visitors enter Museum Island through the James-Simon-Galerie on Bodestraße, and this entrance is wheelchair-accessible. That matters more in practice than it sounds: ticket sales and the cloakroom are centrally located there, so you don't have to cross the whole island to find a ticket counter. Groups enter the James-Simon-Galerie through the lower foyer from the courtyard. The stops and the exact route are covered under Getting there.
Inside the building
The Neues Museum spreads across several floors; the bust of Nefertiti stands in the North Dome Room on the second floor. For the specific facilities — elevators, routes within the collections, seating, wheelchair rental — the museum publishes its own, continuously updated information. We deliberately don't repeat it here secondhand: when it comes to accessibility, outdated information is worse than none. If in doubt, ask the museum directly before your visit.
Hear, see, understand
The audio guides are available in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish, plus a children's version and in Easy Language. For certain exhibitions, Touch tours are offered. Information in Sign language and in Easy Language is also provided by the museum. With the most-booked admission ticket an audio guide is included; not with the Museum Island day ticket, where it's available on site for an extra charge.
Come on a weekday right at opening at 10am. Fewer people mean more space in front of the display cases and shorter waits at the entrance — the quiet windows are listed under Opening hours.
What to consider when planning
Two things take effort before the exhibition even starts: the walk from the stop to Bodestraße and the security check at the entrance. Factor both into your time slot. Inside the building, it's worth going up to the North Dome Room first and working your way down afterward, rather than covering all the floors again at the end. How much time is realistic is covered under how much time you need.
Traveling with companions
Admission is free under 18, which simplifies planning for families with children; that's covered under Neues Museum with kids. If you're considering a guided tour, pay attention to the duration: four hours on the island means a lot of standing. The two-hour version is a walk outdoors and through the entrance halls; details under private guided tours.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Neues Museum accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and ticket sales and the cloakroom are centrally located in the James-Simon-Galerie. For facilities inside the building, the museum publishes its own information, which you should check before your visit.
Is there an audio guide in Easy Language?
Yes, alongside German, English, French, Italian and Spanish, there are versions in Easy Language and for children.
Are touch tours offered?
Yes, for certain exhibitions. The museum also provides information in sign language and in Easy Language.
Where is the accessible entrance?
At the James-Simon-Galerie on Bodestraße; groups use the lower foyer from the courtyard. The route there is described under Getting there.