--- title: "Museum Nikolaikirche" date: 2022-11-02 last_modified: 2026-04-08T14:29:18+02:00 generated_at: 2026-05-24T05:32:18Z url: "https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/museum/museum-nikolaikirche" description: "Berlin’s Middle: 800 Years of History and Culture" image: "https://www.stadtmuseum.de/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/museum-nikolaikirche-bei-nacht.jpg" language: "en-US" --- # Museum Nikolaikirche ![Das Museum Nikolaikirche bei Nacht.](https://stiftung-stadtmuseum-berlin.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/museum-nikolaikirche-bei-nacht-200x300.jpg) ![Blick in den Kirchenraum der Nikolaikirche mit Kunstobjekten und Publikum](https://stiftung-stadtmuseum-berlin.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/nikolaikirche-ausstellungsraum-300x200.jpg) - Berlin's oldest church building now houses a museum. The permanent exhibition conveys the architectural, ecclesiastical and musical history of the important building and the urban development of Berlin in the Middle Ages. **Location** Museum Nikolaikirche Nikolaikirchplatz 10178 Berlin **Opening Hours** daily | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (also on public holidays) **Differing Opening Hours** see Info & Service **Admission** 7 euros (single ticket) | 15 euros (combi-ticket\*) | free admission (under 18 years or with reduction) \*Valid on two consecutive days for the Museum Ephraim-Palais, the Museum Nikolaikirche and the Museum Knoblauchhaus. Over the course of its history, the church has been structurally and stylistically transformed several times over. Its construction and furnishings have always reflected the creative civic drive and economic power of the people of Berlin. Since the end of the 19th century, its distinctive double towers have defined the skyline of the city centre. Thanks to far-sighted decisions and dedicated advocacy, the Nikolaikirche is once again an intact historic monument, where Berlin’s residents and visitors can experience all the facets of the church’s rich history. ![Die Kirche von der Orgelempore aus betrachtet](https://stiftung-stadtmuseum-berlin.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Museum-Nikolaikirche-©-Stadtmuseum-Berlin_Foto-Michael-Setzpfandt-5-300x200.jpg) The first construction of the Nikolaikirche dates to the founding of Berlin around 1230. In addition to being a place of faith and a burial site for important Berlin families, the church also served as the city’s *Ratskirche* (city council church) and was thus the setting of many historically significant events, including the Protestant Reformation. It was here that the first assembly of the city council was sworn into office in 1809. Shortly after German reunification, the first Berlin-wide city parliament convened here in 1991. Towards the end of the Second World War, the Nikolaikirche was badly damaged by bombs. Most of the church later collapsed and remained in ruins until 1984. Following completion of its reconstruction in 1987 for Berlin’s 750th anniversary, this unique architectural monument was re-purposed as a museum. A free audio guide leads visitors through the exhibition in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian. A German-language audio guide is also aimed specifically at families. ## A place of music The Nikolaikirche has also played an important role in Berlin’s musical history. The work of the cantor and composer Johann Crüger (1598 - 1662) and his collaborations with pastor and poet Paul Gerhardt (1607 - 1676) were among Berlin’s first major contributions to European cultural history. The church’s musical tradition lives on today with regular events and concerts. ## Art In addition to music, Berlin's Nikolaikirche was and is also a place of art. In addition to the historical works of past centuries, you can experience contemporary artistic works in a variety of forms. ## Exhibitions - [ ![](https://stiftung-stadtmuseum-berlin.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/keyvisual_300dpi19-296x300.jpg)](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/dekoloniale-what-remains) - [ ![Tastmodell der Berliner Nikolaikirche in der Ausstellung](https://stiftung-stadtmuseum-berlin.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/tastmodell-nikolaikirche-berlin-300x200.jpg) Permanent Exhibition ### Conceiving Architecture Addition to the permanent exhibition intended for both blind and sighted people Museum Nikolaikirche ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/conceiving-architecture) - [ ![Modell der mittelalterlichen Stadt Berlin im Museum Nikolaikirche, im Hintergrund unscharf Besucher und das Innere des Kirchenschiffs](https://stiftung-stadtmuseum-berlin.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/stadtmodell-berlins-mitte-300x200.jpg) Permanent Exhibition ### Berlin’s Middle Eight hundred years of history and culture Museum Nikolaikirche ](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/exhibition/berlins-middle) ##### Audioguide A free audio guide leads visitors through the exhibition in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian. A German-language audio guide is also aimed specifically at families. ![Savoir-vivre im Nikolaiviertel: Das Museum Nikolaikirche ist umgeben von Cafés, Restaurants und liebevoll geführten Geschenkläden. ](https://stiftung-stadtmuseum-berlin.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_57121-300x200.jpg) ### Discover the Nikolaiviertel! Welcome to the oldest part of the city of Berlin! Three museums invite you to discover here: the Museum Nikolaikirche, the Museum Knoblauchhaus and the Museum Ephraim-Palais. Learn about Berlin’s history in our historic and partly original buildings and take part in our programme. [ Learn more](https://www.stadtmuseum.de/en/nikolaiviertel) ## Info & Service ##### Opening Hours daily | 10 am – 6 pm (also on public holidays) **Differing opening hours:** Wed | 20.05. | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Staff meeting) 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) Mon | 31.08. | Closed Mon | 14.09. – 01.10. | Closed (Change of exhibition) 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 Nikolaikirchplatz 10178 Berlin [ Google Maps](https://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=Nikolaikirche%2C%20Nikolaikirchplatz%2C%20Berlin&aq=2&oq=Nikol&sll=52.514027%2C13.415251&sspn=0.015096%2C0.030513&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&hq=Nikolaikirche%2C%20Nikolaikirchplatz%2C%20Berlin&ll=52.517527%2C13.40744&spn=0.030189%2C0.061026&t=m&z=14&iwloc=A&cid=6093985458874356584) [ 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) ## 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 Nikolaikirche **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=5&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! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How is the advance sale regulated? Tickets are available at the earliest 14 days before the desired date of the museum visit. The tickets are not personalized and therefore transferable. However, please note here any discount reasons. ### How do I buy an online ticket? *Variant 1:* Please select the appropriate museum you would like to visit under Filter (above the calendar). Then select the desired day of your visit. *Variant 2:* Please select the desired day of your visit via the calendar. Now choose the ticket and the museum. ### How can I ensure that I can show the online ticket on my end device (smartphone, tablet) even without a network if necessary? To be on the safe side, please take a screenshot(s) of your PDF ticket(s) after purchase and save it (them) e.g. under "Images" on your end device. ### How do I show my online ticket? Please bring your ticket(s) either printed out or digitally on your smartphone and present proof of any discount reasons without being asked. ### Can I cancel my online ticket? Purchased tickets cannot be canceled, see the [terms and conditions of Stadtmuseum Berlin GmbH](https://tickets.stadtmuseum.de/#/page/agb). ## Accessibility ### Directions **Public transport** S-Bahn: S3, S5, S7, S9 “Alexanderplatz” (distance to the museum approx. 700 m). Underground: U2 “Klosterstraße” (distance to the museum approx. 800 m), U5 “Rotes Rathaus” (distance to the museum approx. 300 m) Bus: 200 “Rotes Rathaus” (distance to the museum approx. 270 m) Tram: 12, M1, M4, M5, M6 “Spandauer Straße / Marienkirche” (distance to the museum approx. 600 m) The Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association) offers free VBB Bus & Bahn escort service to help you get to the museum by public transport. **Parking** There are two public parking spaces for people with disabilities in Rathausstraße (distance to the museum approx. 200 m). **On foot:** The path to the museum is not easy to walk or drive on in places. ### Building The building is accessible without steps (threshold 2 cm high). The entrance door is a single-leaf door without an automatic mechanism, followed by a glass door in the entrance area; staff members of the Stadtmuseum Berlin are available for assistance. Doors and passageways are at least 90 cm wide. Exceptions: The passageway in front of the stairs to the organ loft is 80 cm wide, WC doors are less than 70 cm wide. Cashier’s counter is 106 cm high; no other, equivalent communication option available while seated. Some areas are only accessible via steps/stairs: - Sacristy via 4 steps with handrail - Coin cabinet via 5 steps with handrail - Organ loft over 35 steps with handrail - WC over 3 steps (door width 65 cm, WC is not barrier-free). The choir area is accessible through the left-hand side aisle via a ramp (5 m long, 6 per cent incline). Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas. ### Exhibition Portable folding stools are available in the exhibition. The exhibits and information are mostly visible when seated. The rooms and exhibits are well lit and glare-free (exception: sacristy). Information about the exhibition and the artefacts is provided in writing and acoustically. In the exhibition, tactile models of the building's architecture are available with an explanatory audio description track as well as information on the models in Braille and profiled writing. ### Offerings An audio guide (with headphone connection) in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian as well as a family guide in German and a video guide in German sign language can be borrowed free of charge at the ticket desk. Hearing and tactile tours as well as tours in German sign language take place regularly. ### Certification The Museum Nikolaikirche has been assessed and certified by “Travelling for All” in 2025. The certification is valid until 2028. For detailed information, see: [www.reisen-fuer-alle.de](https://www.reisen-fuer-alle.de/museum_nikolaikirche_249.html?action=detail&item_id=3438)