Museum Barberini in Potsdam: exhibition highlights, tickets & visitor tips

Located in the heart of Potsdam, the Museum Barberini is a must-visit destination for art lovers, especially those fascinated by Impressionism. The museum is housed in a stunning reconstruction of the Palais Barberini, an 18th-century palace inspired by Rome’s Palazzo Barberini. The original building was destroyed during World War II, and for decades, the site remained empty — until German billionaire Hasso Plattner, co-founder of SAP, led its revival.

Since its grand opening in 2017, the museum has become a major cultural landmark, home to one of Germany’s most significant Impressionist collections. With masterpieces by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro, alongside temporary exhibitions featuring some of the world’s most renowned artists, the Museum Barberini offers a truly immersive art experience.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit—from exhibition highlights and ticket information to insider visitor tips.

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Tickets to the Museum Barberini can be purchased without extra charges on Get Your Guide. Simply visit the website, search for the museum, and select your preferred time slot in advance. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. The ticket price varies depending on the time and day of your visit, so check the options carefully when selecting your slot.

As mentioned earlier, ticket prices vary depending on the time and day of your visit. If you want to save money, book tickets for 5:30 PM or later – the museum offers discounted entry for the last 1.5 hours before closing at 7 PM. One and a half hours is enough to walk through all the halls at a steady pace, including the temporary exhibition.

• Regular price on weekends: €18
• Regular price on weekdays: €16
• Discounted evening tickets available after 5:30 PM: €10

If you've purchased the Berlin WelcomeCard for zones ABC, you can travel to the Museum Barberini using this ticket and enjoy a 37% discount on the entry fee. However, you will need to book a time slot in advance on the museum’s website.

If you’ve opted for the Berlin WelcomeCard All Inclusive, the entry to the museum is already included in your ticket, and you only need to reserve a time slot before your visit.

Here are some visitor tips for making the most of your visit to the Museum Barberini:

Download the Free Audio Guide App. To enhance your experience, download the museum’s free audio guide app before your visit. It offers insightful commentary on the art and exhibits, making your visit more engaging.

Visit in the evening for fewer crowds. If you prefer a quieter experience, plan your visit in the evening. The museum is less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the art without the hustle and bustle.

Buy tickets in advance. While tickets are available on-site, it’s highly recommended to buy them in advance online. This not only guarantees entry but also helps you avoid long queues, especially during peak times.

Expect a compact museum. The museum is relatively small, with three floors of exhibits. While it's manageable, be sure to give yourself time to explore each floor thoroughly.

Check for special events and temporary exhibitions. The museum often hosts special events or temporary exhibitions. Be sure to check the schedule ahead of time for any unique offerings during your visit.

Allow time to explore Potsdam. If you have extra time, the museum is located in the historic centre of Potsdam, which is full of beautiful parks, palaces, and gardens. Make sure to enjoy the surrounding area too!

The Museum Barberini in Potsdam is home to an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Some of the key paintings in its permanent exhibition include:

• Claude Monet – Water Lilies
• Claude Monet – The Water-Lily Pond
• Claude Monet – Houses of Parliament, London
• Paul Signac – The Port at Sunset
• Camille Pissarro – Hoar Frost, Peasant Girl Making a Fire
• Gustave Caillebotte – The Argenteuil Bridge and the Seine
• Gustave Caillebotte – Lilacs and Peonies in Two Vases
• Paul Cézanne – Forest Interior

The museum has one of the largest collections of Monet’s works in Europe outside France, with a strong focus on landscapes, light studies, and urban scenes.

The Kosmos Kandinsky exhibition explores the artistic journey of Wassily Kandinsky, one of the pioneers of abstract art. Running until 18 May 2025, the exhibition presents over 50 works, offering a deep dive into his revolutionary approach to colour, form, and spirituality in art.

Key paintings from different periods of Kandinsky’s career, showcasing his transition from figurative art to pure abstraction:

• Wassily Kandinsky – Above and Left
• Wassily Kandinsky – In the Black Circle
• Wassily Kandinsky – Accompanied Centre

The Museum Barberini is located in Potsdam, around 30 km southwest of Berlin. You can easily reach it by public transport from various central locations in Berlin.

From Berlin Central Station and Berlin Potsdamer Platz: take a regional train (RE1) towards Brandenburg or Magdeburg, get off at Potsdam Central Station and walk 15 minutes to the museum.

From Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz: take S-Bahn S1 to Wannsee, transfer to S-Bahn S7 towards Potsdam Central Station, get off at Potsdam Central Station (~40 minutes) and walk to the museum.

From Kurfürstendamm: take S-Bahn S7 from Zoologischer Garten to Potsdam Central Station (~35 minutes) and then walk.

From Charlottenburg: take the regional train (RE1) towards Brandenburg/Magdeburg directly from Charlottenburg station. Get off at Potsdam Central Station (~20 minutes).

The Museum Barberini in Potsdam is a must-visit for anyone who loves art. With its impressive collection of Impressionist masterpieces and engaging temporary exhibitions, there's something to captivate every visitor. Be sure to download the free audio guide app, consider visiting in the quieter evening hours, and book your tickets in advance for a smoother experience. Located in the picturesque city of Potsdam, the museum is not only a cultural treasure but also a perfect starting point to explore the charming surroundings. If you're in Berlin, don't miss the chance to discover this gem—it's an experience you won’t want to miss.