--- title: "BerlinZEIT" date: 2023-10-27 last_modified: 2026-04-15T07:35:25+02:00 generated_at: 2026-05-14T12:47:47Z url: "https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/berlinzeit" description: "In the Ephraim-Palais Museum, the Stadtmuseum Berlin presents its permanent exhibition \"BerlinZEIT - The City Makes History!\"" image: "https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-plakat.jpg" language: "en-US" --- # BerlinZEIT ### The city makes history! ![]() ![Das Plakatmotiv zur Ausstellung](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-plakat.jpg) The poster motif for the exhibition ![Ausstellungsraum mit leuchtendem Schriftzug "Berlinzeit" über einem Kartenumriss und dem Kopf einer Skulptur.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-prolog.jpg) Impression from the exhibition ![Eine Besucherin liest den Text einer Infotafel. Im Hintergrund ein großformatiges Stadtmodell von Berlin im Jahr 1750.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-18-jahrhundert.jpg) Information boards and large-scale models are dedicated to formative chapters of Berlin's city history. ![Ein Besucher der Ausstellung an der Medienstation zum Thema Antisemitismus](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-medienstation-antisemitismus.jpg) In the exhibition, media stations delve deeper into selected topics, such as state anti-Semitism under National Socialist rule. ![Zwei Besucher:innen beim "Foto-Shooting" auf dem Motorroller.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-ddr-motorroller-iwl-pitty.jpg) An IWL "Pitty" motorised scooter from the GDR is representative of post-war mobility in Berlin and invites you to take a souvenir photo. ![Das Modell eines gedeckten Tischs mit heimischen und importierten Lebensmitteln, die heute in Berlin verbreitet sind.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-hugenottentisch.jpg) A "laid table" shows foods that have always been native to Berlin and those with which immigrants have enriched the diet of the city's population. ![Auf einer Holzpalette im Ausstellungsraum wartet der Pferdekopf darauf, auf der Ausstellungsfläche platziert zu werden, im Vordergrund ein Hubwagen mit der Transportkiste, im Hintergrund arbeitende Menschen.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/berlinzeit-quadriga-pferdekopf-anlieferung.jpg) The last object to be brought into the exhibition is a bronze horse's head, the last surviving fragment of the original quadriga from the Brandenburg Gate. - In the Ephraim-Palais Museum, the Stadtmuseum Berlin presents its permanent exhibition "BerlinZEIT - The City Makes History!" **Location** Museum Ephraim-Palais Poststrasse 16 10178 Berlin **Opening Hours** Tue – Sun | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (also on public holidays) Mon closed (except Easter Monday and Whit Monday) **Admission** 7 Euro / 4 Euro (reduced) | up to 18 years free admission **Combi-Ticket:** 10 Euro / 6 Euro (reduced) Valid on two consecutive days for the Museum Nikolaikirche and the Museum Ephraim-Palais. ## A city of diversity, disruption and change Along formative periods and highlighting specific years the exhibition takes visitors on a journey of discovery through eight centuries - from the founding of Berlin to the present day and beyond. With numerous original objects from the city's past Berlin is presented in an easily understandable and compact way as a city of diversity and openness, but also as a city of ruptures and radical change. ![]() ![Lebensgroße Nachbildung eines mittelalderlichen Pestarztes mit schwarzer Ganzkörper-Schukleidung und Stock.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cholera.jpg) Life-size replica of a medieval plague doctor in the usual full-body protective leather clothing of the time. The long "nose" contained herbs that were supposed to purify the air. ![Stählerner Degen, um 1600](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/211_VI-9738_2.jpg) Steel sword, around 1600 ![Ein großformatiges Stadtmodell zeigt Berlin um 1750 mit vielen Details](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/stadtmodell-berlin-um1750.jpg) A large-scale model of the city shows Berlin around 1750 ![Originales Vorhängeschloss vom Brandenburger Tor aus dem 18. Jahrhundert](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/230_II-92-51-E-ab.jpg) Cast iron padlock from the Brandenburg Gate, around 1790 ![Einzug Napoleons in Berlin, im Hintergrund das Brandenburger Tor, 1806 (Radierung von Ludwig Wolf)](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/napoleon-einzug-in-berlin.jpg) Napoleon's entry into Berlin after the French victory over Prussia, 1806 (etching by Ludwig Wolf) ![Pickelhaube der Königlichen Schutzmannschaft Berlin von 1898 mit Aufschrift "In Treue fest, 1848/1898"](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pickelhaube.jpg) Prussian pickelhaube of the Königliche Schutzmannschaft Berlin, 1898 ![rote Stand-Trockenhaube „Elektrogas“ aus Metall auf fahrbarem Dreibein, Apparatebau Harald Gunderlach, um 1910](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/trockenhaube-elektrogas.jpg) The "Elektrogas" drying bonnet from the company Apparatebau Harald Gunderlach could be operated with either electricity or gas, around 1910 ![Banknote im Wert von 1000 Mark überdruckt mit Aufschrift Drei Millionen, 1922](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/inflations-banknote.jpg) Berlin inflation banknote worth 3 million marks, 1922 ![Frauen mit zeittypischer „Bubikopf“-Frisur staunen über Frau mit traditionellen langen Haaren, Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung, Ausgabe 33, 16. August 1925](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/berliner-illustrirte-zeitung-1925.jpg) "Something like that still exists?" Women with the typical "bob" hairstyle of the time marvel at women with traditional long hair, Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung, issue 33, 16 August 1925 ![Im 3D-Druck hergestelltes Modell der vom Architekten Albert Speer für Adolf Hitlers Reichshauptstadt „Germania“ entworfenen Wehrtechnischen Fakultät](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/wehrtechnische-fakultaet.jpg) Model (3D print) of the "Wehrtechnische Fakultät"(defence technology faculty) designed by architect Albert Speer for Adolf Hitler's Reich capital "Germania", the raw construction of which is now buried under the Teufelsberg. ![Soldaten und Panzer der sowjetischen Roten Armee auf dem Pariser Platz am 30. April 1945, im Hintergrund das Brandenburger Tor](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/rote-armee-brandenburger-tor.jpg) Soldiers and tank of the Soviet Red Army on Pariser Platz on 30 April 1945 ![Telefonapparat aus dem Kriegsverbrechergefängnis Spandau, nach 1945](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/telefonapparat-kriegsverbrechergefaengnis-spandau.jpg) Telephone from the Spandau Prison for war criminals, after 1945 ![Arbeitsschuhe einer Berliner Trümmerfrau, 1945-1948](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/schuhe-truemmerfrau.jpg) Arbeitsschuhe einer Berliner Trümmerfrau, 1945-1948 ![Holzspielzeug „Stalinallee“ mit den charaktieristischen Gebäuden samt Bäumen, Grünstreifen, Figuren und LKW aus Holz mit schwarz-rot-goldener Fahne](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/holzspielzeug-stalinallee.jpg) Wooden toy "Stalinallee", East Berlin, 1950s ![Auftritt eines Sängers mit Saxophonist und Schlagzeug an der Berliner Mauer, 1970er Jahre](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/musiker-berliner-mauer.jpg) Musicians at the Berlin Wall in Kreuzberg, 1970s © Stadtmuseum Berlin ![Türkischsprachiges Schild „Ende des amerikanischen Sektors – das Gebiet jenseits der Grenze gehört zur DDR“](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/amerikan-sektoeruenuen-sonu.jpg) Turkish-language sign from West Berlin: "End of the American sector - the area on the other side of the border belongs to East Berlin", 1980s ![Ampel mit dem DDR-Ampelmännchen](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ddr-ampelmaennchen.jpg) After German reunification in 1990, the GDR traffic light man became a symbolic figure of Berlin ![Der von Christo verpackte Berliner Reichstag, 1995](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/verhuellter-reichstag-christo.jpg) The Berlin Reichstag wrapped by Christo, 1995hree guiding principles characterise the newly designed and conceptually enhanced permanent exhibition: urban development through growth and destruction, tolerance and persecution, rule and co-determination. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the period from the formation of Berlin eight hundred years ago to the November Revolution of 1918, while the first floor looks at Berlin as it grew into a metropolis, from its expansion into the surrounding area in 1920 to the present day. ![Ausstellungsbesucher im Treppenhaus des Museums Ephraim-Palais](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/treppenhaus-museum-ephraim-palais-300x200.jpeg) The staircase in the Museum Ephraim-Palais © Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Sandra Weller The narrative arc within these time periods is chronological, but visitors can decide for themselves where they want to immerse themselves in the city's eventful history. Various media and activation stations offer access to selected content in a variety of ways - including interviews with Berlin players from the 1990s in politics, business and culture. Other stations take an in-depth look at topics such as anti-Semitism, women's rights and gay and lesbian emancipation. A bilingual audio guide in German and English accompanies the exhibition. ##### Background The reason for the presentation of "BerlinZEIT" in the [Museum Ephraim-Palais](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/museum/museum-ephraim-palais) is the comprehensive renovation of the Märkisches Museum, the traditional location of the Stadtmuseum Berlin for permanent exhibitions on Berlin's history, which will take several years. Once the modernisation of the neighbouring Marinehaus has been completed, both buildings will form the heart of a museum and creative quarter in Köllnischer Park in a few years' time. ## Trailer Take a look inside the exhibition! [![Pärchen auf Motorroller wird mit Handy fotografiert](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/berlinzeit-motorroller-pitty-300x200.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMI0hkdg30k) Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Christian Kielmann ## Complementary offers At various points in "BerlinZEIT", Open Spaces leave room to show further diverse perspectives on Berlin's diverse urban society in the future. From these vacancies, there is a dedicated event programme for the exhibition. The third floor of the Museum Ephraim-Palais offers additional space for supplementary presentations or independent special exhibitions. The permanent exhibition makes the [Nikolai Quarter](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/nikolaiviertel) the central location for exploring Berlin's city history: Directly opposite the Museum Ephraim-Palais, the [Museum Knoblauchhaus](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/museum/museum-knoblauchhaus) is dedicated to Berlin life in the Biedermeier period. Just a few metres away, the [Museum Nikolaikirche](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/museum/museum-nikolaikirche) focuses on the medieval building and the beginnings of Berlin. ## Programme - [ ![Der Blick ins Museumslabor zeigt eine Gruppe beim gestalten kreativer Drucke](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/museumslabor-ephraim-palais-300x200.jpg) Nikolaiviertel, Nikolai Quarter, Workshop, Family and children ### Printing workshop With this free creative activity, families with children aged 3 and above can design their own full-colour linocuts in the museum laboratory. 2026-05-16 13:00:00 Museum Ephraim-Palais ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/events/printing-workshop) - [ ![Frontalansicht Museum Ephraim-Palais](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_56121-2-300x230.jpg) Day of action, Nikolaiviertel, Nikolai Quarter ### International Museum Day at the Museum Ephraim-Palais On 17 May, we are celebrating International Museum Day. In the heart of the Nikolaiviertel, we invite you to visit our exhibition – admission is free. 2026-05-17 10:00:00 Museum Ephraim-Palais ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/events/international-museum-day-at-the-museum-ephraim-palais) - [ ![Eine Frau und ein Mädchen beim gemeinsamen Gestalten.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bunte-druckwerkstatt-300x200.jpg) Nikolai Quarter, Workshop, Family and children ### Picture Workshop This free creative activity takes families with children aged 3 and above on a photo safari. They then edit and design the pictures using their imagination. 2026-05-30 13:00:00 Museum Ephraim-Palais ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/events/picture-workshop) - [ ![Cartoon-Zeichnung von buntem Menschengetümmel vor Nikolaikirche, Knoblauchhaus und Ephraim-Palais](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/key-visual-sonntag-im-nikolaiviertel-300x300.jpg) Day of action, Sunday at the Nikolai Quarter, Nikolai Quarter, Family and children ### Day of Action at the Museum Ephraim-Palais Welcome to the “Sunday at the Nikolai Quarter”! A colorful program awaits you on the of the event. Admission is free for everyone under 18 or with a concession. 2026-06-07 10:00:00 Museum Ephraim-Palais ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/events/day-of-action-at-the-museum-ephraim-palais) - [ ![Das belebte Nikolaiviertel im Sommer](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DSC199856_1920px-e1777282536251-300x200.jpg) Day of action, Nikolai Quarter ### Museum Festival Music on two stages, open museums, lively squares and a programme for all generations: on 21 June, the Nikolaiviertel will be transformed into a vibrant festival site as part of the Fête de la Musique. 2026-06-21 15:00:00 Museum Ephraim-Palais ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/events/museum-festival-for-the-anniversary) What the press says > "The new exhibition \[...\] opens the view from the founding of the city to the present day into many, usually hidden city layers and city histories. Last but not least, it shows subtle humour in appropriate places." ![Fraktur-Buchstabe B](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/berliner-zeitung-logo.png) Berliner Zeitung ## Info & Service ##### Opening Hours Tue – Sun | 10 am – 6 pm (also on public holidays) Mon closed **Differing opening hours:** Wed | 20.05. | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Staff meeting) Mon | 25.05. | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Whit Monday) Sun | 21.06. | 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Museum Festival / Fête de la Musique) Sat | 29.08. | 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. (Long Night of Museums) Thu | 24.12. | Closed (Christmas Eve) Fri & Sat | 25. + 26.12. | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. (First & Second Christmas Day) Thu | 31.12. | Closed (New Year’s Eve) Fri | 01.01. 2027 | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. (New Year’s Day) The [visitor rules](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/besuchsordnung-stadtmuseum-berln.pdf) of the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin apply. ##### Directions Poststraße 16 10178 Berlin [ Google Maps](https://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=Ephraim-Palais%2C%20Poststra%C3%9Fe%2C%20Berlin&aq=0&oq=Ephraim&sll=52.520399%2C13.774109&sspn=0.482148%2C1.065674&vpsrc=6&ie=UTF8&hq=Ephraim-Palais%2C&hnear=Poststra%C3%9Fe%2C%2010178%20Berlin&ll=52.515855%2C13.408406&spn=0.008031%2C0.018797&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A&cid=18287331903694586850) [ Bus & Train](https://www.bvg.de/en/connections/connection-search) ##### Contact Infoline +49 30 24 002-162 Mo – Fri | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. [Write E-Mail](mailto:info@stadtmuseum.de) ##### Accessibility The Ephraim-Palais is accessible without steps. All exhibition areas are accessible via an elevator. There are barrier-free toilets in the building. ![Helle Schrift ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/guru_top_tipp.svg) ## Tickets ##### Admission **Combi-Ticket** 15 euros Valid for our three museums in the Nikolaiviertel (Museum Nikolaikirche, Museum Ephraim-Palais, Museum Knoblauchhaus) on two consecutive days (please note opening hours) **Single Ticket** 7 euros Day ticket for the Museum Ephraim-Palais **Free admission With proof of reduction** for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, students, trainees, FSJ/FÖJ/BFD volunteers, Berlin Ticket S holders, severely disabled persons (at least 50% GdB) and their Personal Assistant, refugees (with a valid work or residence permit/eAT and a Ukrainian passport or valid residence permit from Ukraine), recipients of transfer payments (Bürgergeld, ALG I), holders of the Berlin-Brandenburg Ehrenamtskarte, holders of the Super-Ferienpass / Berliner Familienpass, ICOM members, members of Deutscher Museumsbund, Verein der Freunde und Förderer des Stadtmuseums Berlin e. V. (except for the Museumsdorf Düppel), Förderverein Museumsdorf Düppel e. V., and Förderkreis Museum Knoblauchhaus e. V., media representatives with a valid press card. [ Ticketshop ](https://tickets.stadtmuseum.de/#/tickets/time?museum_id=2&group=day) ### Ласкаво просимо! Всі, хто має український паспорт, візу для України або дійсне студентське посвідчення українського університету та візу на проживання в Німеччині, можуть безкоштовно відвідувати всі наші локації; це також стосується всіх, хто має дозвіл на проживання в електронному вигляді (eAT). Ми з нетерпінням чекаємо на Вас! ## More Berlin [ ![Kennedy und Adenauer in der offenen Limousine sitzend](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/01-03-wahn-sm_2013-1032118eeba-300x197.jpg) ### With Kennedy through Germany Pictures of the US President's visit in June 1963, at the height of which Kennedy proclaimed in front of Schöneberg Town Hall: ‘Ich bin ein Berliner!’ Short-Story, 4 min Lesezeit ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/story/with-kennedy-through-germany) [ ![Marion Cook und Louis Douglas beim Tanz](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1.-Douglas_Cook_Das-Illustrierte-Blatt-15-1927-s.410-PAINT-VERSION-e1689169274255-203x300.jpg) ### African American Performers 1877-1933 From the Jubilee Singers to Jazz: African American Performers and Musicians in Berlin, 1877-1933. Short-Story, 9 min Lesezeit ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/story/afroamerikanische-buehnenkuenstlerinnen-1877-1933) [ ![Music Box and Record Covers of Berlin Songs](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sound-of-berlin-web-300x213.jpg) ### The Sound of Berlin Well known for its distinctive and rebellious spirit, the music of Berlin has also been a powerful unifying force for the city throughout its history. Discover Berlin’s unique sounds in 70 songs and pieces of music from seven decades! Article, 1 min Lesezeit ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/article/the-sound-of-berlin) [ ![Dirigent Paul Dessau im Gespräch mit Heiner Müller im leeren Zuschauersaal der Staatsoper Berlin bei den Proben zu „Lanzelot“, 1969](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/heiner-mueller-paul-dessau-300x300.jpg) ### Heiner Müller Heiner Müller is regarded as one of the most important German dramatists of the 20th century. Article, 8 min Lesezeit ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/article/heiner-muller) [ ![Ein silberner Storch mit abgebrochenen Schnabel, Rasseln rechts und links der Beine auf einem Stock](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/S-4235-225x300.jpg) ### The Märkisches Museum’s “Special Silver Inventory” Nearly five hundred silver pieces, including spoons, charm bracelets, children’s rattles and other objects, are stored in a metal cabinet in the Stadtmuseum Berlin’s collection depot. The objects originate from compulsory levies placed on Jewish people from 1939 onwards, and provide insight into a project that the Stadtmuseum Berlin has been carrying out since 1996 to clarify the provenance of each individual object. Article, 9 min Lesezeit ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/article/the-markisches-museums-special-silver-inventory) [ ![Canned music](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/article/canned-music) [ ![Die Vorstellung der Tresortür des ehemaligen Techno-Clubs auf der Ausstellungsfläche von BERLIN GLOBAL im Humboldt Forum.](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/22A5726-scaled-1-300x196.jpg) ### The door of the techno-club “Tresor” Between the rooms "Free Space" and "Boundaries" at BERLIN GLOBAL stands a very special door: the steel door of the legendary club "Tresor" at Leipziger Straße 126a. In the series "Favourite Object" we present it. Article, 4 min Lesezeit ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/article/the-door-of-the-techno-club-tresor) [ ![Mahjub bin Adam Mohamed Hussein als Schauspieler in Askari-Uniform, im Hintergrund weitere Schauspieler in verschiedenen Uniformen der Kaiserlichen Marine](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mahjub-bin-adam-mohamed-hussein-300x213.jpg) ### Mahjub bin Adam Mohamed Hussein In the room "War" at BERLIN GLOBAL exhibition in the Humboldt Forum, photos, letters and films tell the story of Mahjub bin Adam Mohamed Hussein (1904 - 1944) an actor and former German Askari soldier. Article, 3 min Lesezeit ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/article/from-askari-soldier-to-actor) [ ![Ein Mann geht rechts an einem der rekonstruierten historischen Häuser im Museumsdorf Düppel vorbei](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-501-300x168.png) ### In My View: Andreas | Museumsdorf Düppel (UT dt./ engl.) Andreas was born in Friedrichshain and works as a train driver. In his free time, he enjoys medieval music. In the Museumsdorf Düppel in the Nikolassee district of Berlin, Andreas is involved in the Förderverein Museumsdorf Düppel e.V. Here, he and his family look after a house and its garden. Video 01:06 Minute ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/video/in-my-view-andreas-museumsdorf-duppel-ut-dt-engl) [ ![Lost Place: Marinehaus](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/story/lost-place-marinehaus) ## Sponsored by: ![Logo Lotto Stiftung Berlin](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/LOTTO-Stiftung_4c_Transparent-300x147.jpg)