The Humboldt Forum is a sprawling cultural complex in the reconstructed Berlin Palace, at the southern end of Museum Island. Its baroque façades evoke the royal residence that stood here until 1950, while the contemporary eastern façade makes the building’s layered history visible. Opened in stages from 2020, it brings together museums, exhibitions and public spaces in the heart of Berlin.
The principal collections come from Berlin’s Ethnologisches Museum and Museum für Asiatische Kunst, with objects ranging from sculptures and ceramics to ceremonial works from across the world. Exhibitions on Berlin add a local perspective. The Forum also confronts the colonial histories behind parts of its collections, making questions of provenance and restitution central to a visit rather than an afterthought.
Allow at least half a day and choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything. Many exhibitions are free, but charges can apply to special shows and other experiences, so check the website before visiting. U-Bahn station Museumsinsel is close by, and the rooftop terrace offers views over the Spree, Berlin Cathedral and the TV Tower.