Museum of Decorative Arts (Kunstgewerbemuseum)

The basics

The museum’s exhibitions are spread over two locations—the Kulturforum near Potsdamer Platz, and the moated Schloss Kopenick. The Kulturforum features fashion on the ground floor, old art on the lower floor, new art on the upper floor, plus special exhibitions in the basement. A highlight is the hall of 300 mannequins that display outfits by famous fashion designers, such as Coco Chanel, and Elsa Schiaparelli. Schloss Kopenick features interior design masterpieces from the 16th-18th centuries.

Things to know before you go

• The museum’s outpost at the Kulturforum offers a wheelchair-accessible lift and disabled parking spaces.

• There is a café at the upper level of the Kulturforum and a bookstore.

• Children under 18 years old can enter the museum for free.

• If you’re planning to visit several Berlin museums, it’s worth looking into getting a Berlin Museum Pass.

How to get there

The best way to get to the Museum of Decorative Arts Kulturforum outpost is to get the S-Bahn (S1, S2, or S25) or U-Bahn (U2) to Potsdamer Platz. It’s then under a 10-minute walk from Potsdamer Platz to the museum. If going to Schloss Kopenick, get the 27, 60, or 61 tram or the 162, 164, or 165 bus to the Schloßplatz Köpenick stop.

Where to get there

The museum generally welcomes visitors every day except Mondays, with opening hours from mid-morning to early evening. On weekends, the doors open a bit later. To avoid crowds and have a more peaceful walk around the museum, opt for a weekday morning visit, as weekends tend to be the busiest times.

Where to go after the Museum of Decorative Arts

After a visit to the Museum of Decorative Arts, there are plenty of places for art lovers close by. Take a short walk to the Gemaldegalerie which holds 13th-18th century masterpieces, including work by both Rubens and Rembrandt. Then continue the adventures to the New National Gallery to see fantastic modern art from the 20th century, including work by Picasso.