The Bode Museum was re-opened in its entirety in 2006, and displays the Sculpture Collection, the Numismatic Colletion and works from the Gemäldegalerie – Old Master Paintings.

The museum was originally built in 1904, suffered severe damage during WWII, and experienced two major periods of reconstruction, first in the 1950s, then in the 1990s into 2000.

It was originally named the Kaiser Friedrich-Museum and got renamed Bode Museum in 1956. The emperor Wilhelm II commissioned head government building officer, Ernst von Ihne, to execute a design of “Wilhelminian Baroque”.

The museum’s stately appearance is urged by its dominating dome and bold exterior. The rich interior includes two opulent staircases, and is further decorated with monumental pilasters, demi-columns and window moldings.

The former general director of the museum, Wilhelm von Bode, was instrumental in arranging the lighting of the rooms and their proportioning. Bode’s presentation concept aimed at an effect of authenticity.