Berlin is the indisputably a culture capitol of Germany and is home to some of the finest performers in the world and the most beautiful productions. Because of the low cost of living in general, these performances can also be enjoyed for lower prices than most other capitols.
Theater
- Deutsches Theater - Classical theater with impressive line up of actors and directors.
- Volksbuehne am Rosa Luxemburg Platz - Sometimes controversial, modern theater.
- Schaubuhne am Lehniner Platz - Modern theater.
- Theater am Kurfurstendamm - Popular theater with tv celebrities in modern plays.
- Theater des Westens - A historic theater in the former West Berlin, now shows musicals.
- Friedrichstadtpalast - Cabaret shows and revues with actresses from the former East German ballet.
- Berliner Ensemble - Contemporary theater.
- English Theater Berlin- Theater that features all plays/music theater in English
Opera
Opera is well respected in Berlin and world class performances ca be seen for a fraction of the price of other world cities. Student and last-minute discounts are also common.
- Komische Oper - Modern operas.
- Deutsche Oper - Classic opera house of West Berlin.
- Staatsoper Unter den Linden - The impressive building and royal history make the building alone worth a visit.
- Neukoellner Oper - Voted several times best off-opera house and known for its modern and contemporary pieces. Mostly in German as usually relating to developments in Germany. Very creative and innovative.
Orchestra
Berlin Philharmonic orchestra - One of the best in the world. A famous building with outstanding talent. Discount tickets are usually available 2-4 hours before the concert if not sold out.
Museums
Berlin is twice the fun when it comes to museums. When there was an East and West Berlin, there had to be two State museums and multiple other duplicates. This means that today's museum scene is full of wonderful pieces of world class caliber. The buildings themself are works of art as Museum Island (Museuminsel) is a UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Most museums charge admission for people 16 years of age or older, usually from 6 to 8 euros. Discounts (usually 50 percent) are available for students and disabled people with identification. Day tickets may also be available, but may not include special exhibitions. There is also a three day pass Museumspass for 19 euros. Know that most museums are closed on Mondays; except for the Altes Museum and the Deutsches Historisches Museum which are open daily. Museumsportal Berlin is a great resource for information on all museums and upcoming exhibitions.
Museumsinsel - This really is an island full of museums in the heart of the city.
Pergamon Museum - Probably the most famous museum in Berlin, it has an extensive collection of ancient Greek, ancient Middle-Eastern and Islamic art and architecture.
Altes Museum - Egyptian and the antique collection
Alte Nationalgalerie - Mainly German paintings of the 19th century
Bode Museum - Fantastic sculpture collection and Byzantine art
Neues Museum - Egyptian collection, Neaderthal and other pre-historic archeological finds, and some of the treasures unearthed at Troy. This is the only museum on Museums Insel that requires a timed entry ticket. It's best to get a timed ticket online ahead of time as time slots fill up quickly.
Deutsches Historisches Museum - Located on Unter den Linden, this museum covers the entirety of German history.
Juedisches Museum - Located on Lindenstrasse 9-14. Displays the history of Jews in Germany. The museum has gained international acclaim for its unique exhibition space and dynamic architecture.
Gemaeldegalerie - Thousands of European paintings from the 13th to the 18th century. Works from Duerer, Raffael, Tizian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Rubens.
Neue Nationalgalerie - Art from the 20th Century. This museum often houses temporary exhibitions during which the permanent collection is usually not on display.
Museum fuer Naturkunde - Near the main railway station, this natural science museum has a huge collection of dinosaur skeletons, fossils and minerals.
DDR Museum - This small museum is just over the river from the Berliner Dom. Displays in German and English, it offers insight in the former GDR.
Stiftung Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin - An amazing expanse of all things technical from autos, to rail, to ships.
Update 6/06/2011
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