Guide to Visiting the Pergamon Museum – The Panorama
Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: October 23, 2024
The Pergamon Museum – The Panorama, situated on Museum Island in Berlin, Germany, is an immersive exhibition that brings the ancient city of Pergamon to life through a 360-degree visual experience created by artist Yadegar Asisi. This exhibit offers a fun way to explore ancient history since it includes high-tech digital reconstructions, sound effects, and lighting to bring the ancient city of Pergamon* back to life.
To ensure you get the most out of your visit, planning ahead is essential. This travel guide provides key insights into the museum’s history, the best times to visit, and recommendations for must-see exhibitions.
*Note: The Pergamon Museum is currently closed for renovations, so visiting this exhibition is a great alternative to experience the history of ancient Pergamon.
Historical Information on Pergamon
In the Roman period, Pergamon was originally the capital of the Asian province, but it eventually lost that title to its rival, Ephesus. However, in AD 124, Emperor Hadrian granted Pergamon the prestigious title of “metropolis” (mother city). This sparked a building boom in the city, leading to the construction of many impressive structures such as:
- Temples: dedicated to the gods of Zeus, Athena, and Dionysus
- Stadium and Amphitheater: used for athletic competitions like gladiatorial games, sports, and performances.
- Theater: Perched on the city’s steep hillside with seating up to 10,000 people.
- Library: A key center where scholars, philosophers, and writers would gather. It held around 200,000 volumes of books.
- Forum: A public square where trade, governance, and public discourse took place.
On top of that, the sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing, was expanded into a luxurious spa. It was not only a political and cultural center, but also a symbol of architectural and intellectual achievement.
General Information
Pergamon Museum – The Panorama is open every day from 10am – 6pm, except for Monday and major holidays as noted in the table below.
To enter the museum, you can purchase a ticket online through the official booking website. If you’re unable to purchase tickets online, tickets are available at the Ticket Office on the day of your visit.
| Ticket Types | Admission | Days Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Pergamon Museum – The Panorama | 12 euros | Mondays, Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 26, Dec 31 |
| Museum Island + Pergamon Museum – The Panorama | 24 euros | Mondays, Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 26, Dec 31 |
Time Needed: 1 hour
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UxuMdJCv7Cy2eYTd6
What to see in the Pergamon Museum – The Panorama
The Pergamon Museum – The Panorama exhibition space is composed of two key areas: the main exhibition room, which showcases artifacts and friezes that enhance the panorama experience, and the panoramic rotunda, where the impressive 360-degree panorama is displayed. When visiting, be sure to view the following:
The main exhibition room
Herkales
Herakles, known for his legendary strength and heroic exploits, was worshiped at the Gymnasium of Pergamon. This sculpture is a larger-than-life head of a bearded man, most likely coming from a massive seated figure. What makes this sculpture stand out, besides its size, are the swollen nose and cauliflower ears—classic features of Greek heavy athletes.
Small Frieze of the Pergamon Altar
The Small Frieze aka the Telephos Frieze decorated the walls of the inner courtyard on the altar platform, telling the story of the mythical hero Telephos (Herkales son), who was thought to be the founder of Pergamon and the ancestor of its ruling family. Originally made up of 74 marble relief slabs, 47 have survived either in full or as fragments, and a selection of them are displayed in the museum. Many scenes stretch across several slabs, each 1.58 meters high, and they were only carved once the blocks were placed in the courtyard.
The panoramic rotunda
The Great Altar of Zeus
Pergamon’s most famous structure was the site of bloody sacrifices (bulls or rams) made in honor of Zeus, aiming to gain the god’s favor. On the side of the structure is a colorful high-relief frieze, showing the epic battle between the Giants and the Olympian gods (the Gigantomachy) and a second frieze, in the inner courtyard, telling the story of Telephos, the son of Herakles and a legendary hero in Pergamon’s mythology. This same frieze can be seen in the main exhibition room.
Residential Life
Residential life in ancient Pergamon was deeply influenced by the city’s role as a major cultural and political hub, blending Greek and Roman traditions. Many residents worked as artisans, traders, or farmers, contributing to the city’s vibrant economy. Daily life involved routine tasks like fetching water from public fountains, shopping in bustling local markets, and maintaining their homes. These everyday activities reflected the rhythms of life in a thriving ancient city, where work, community, and tradition were closely intertwined.
Enjoy Your Time in Berlin
Berlin offers an exciting mix of history, culture, and museums. I hope that you’ll find these tips to be useful when visiting the Pergamon Museum – The Panorama. Don’t hesitate to drop a comment to let us know what you think.
Read our relevant posts to learn more about additional attractions to visit in Berlin.
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