Museumsportal Berlin

For the design of the Kaiser Friedrich-Museum (renamed Bode Museum in 1956), the emperor Wilhelm II commissioned the head government building officer Ernst von Ihne, one of the best-known exponents of "Wilhelminian Baroque". In order to achieve the appearance of a building rising from water the architect arranged the three-winged building around several interior courtyards so that the exterior facades immediately bordered the banks of the river Spree. A dominating dome and two opulent staircases lend the building a stately air which is further reinforced by decorative elements such as the monumental pilasters, demi-columns and window surrounds. The former general director of the museums, Wilhelm von Bode himself, made suggestions concerning the lighting of the rooms and their proportions. The art works were shown alongside original ceilings, fireplaces, doorjambs, tapestries and furniture. Bodes presentation concept, which aimed to convey authenticity, was influential throughout the world.
The museum was opened in 1904. During the Second World War much of the building, especially the dome, suffered significant damage. Beginning in the 1950s, the museum was reconstructed step by step for it original purpose. In the 1990s, general restoration commenced and in August 2000 construction work for its basic restoration followed. The Coin Cabinet Collection (opened on the occasion of its 100th anniversary) has been open to visitors at the Bode Museum since 22 October 2004. On the 19th of October 2006, the Bode Museum was re-opened in its entirety, displaying the Sculpture Collection, the Coin Cabinet Collection and works from the Gemäldegalerie - Old Master Paintings.