The Altes Museum is a treasure trove of German history and culture. The Altes Museum or the Old Museum, as it is known in English, was built between 1825 and 1830. This museum was built outlining the garden that was constructed during the reign of Friedrich Wilhelm in the 17th century. The Old Museum was built under the inspection of Friedrich Wilhelm's son who had been coroneted as his successor by then.
Designed by the German architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the Altes Museum is built on the lines of Greek architecture. Greek architectural features in the Altes Museum can be seen in its Ionic columns, the shape of the courtyards and rotundas, all of them built akin to the Pantheon in Rome. Other important features of the Altes Museum are the statues of the Amazon and the Lion Fighter that embellish the entrance .
of the museum.
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Even before the Altes Museum was completely destroyed at the end of World War II, it was a popular sightseeing spot among the tourists and the local people. Renovated and reopened in the year 1966, the Altes Museum houses antiques that define the all-encompassing culture of Germany. The antiques include vases, paintings, and statues hailing from Greek and Roman periods. Some of the the important attractions in Altes Museum are:
- Antikensammlung or the Museum of Antiquities that is situated on its central floor
- The bust of Queen Nefertiti dating back to 1360 B.C, which was discovered in the year 1912
- Neue Museum, which is due to be completed in the year 2009.
Showcasing the past and redefining the culture of the country, the Altes Museum is one of the most important Berlin museums
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