Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection

The Basics

The masterpieces of the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection are spread across three floors and include a world-renowned selection of pre-surrealist and surrealist paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Highlights include Jean Dubuffet’sNez d'Apollo Pap, Ernst’sLe Triomphe de l'amour/fausse allégorie, and Magritte’sGaspard de la nuit.

Admission to the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection is included with the Berlin Pass, which covers other Berlin highlights such as the Pergamon Museum and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection is a must for surrealist-art lovers.

• The museum is also included as part of the 3-day pass for Museum Island.

• Audio guides, available in many languages, are included in the price of your ticket.

• The Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection is located at Schlossstrasse 70, adjacent to Charlottenburg Palace. To get there by public transit, take the U7 to Richard-Wagner-Platz, a 10-minute walk away, or city bus M45 or 109 to Luisenplatz/Schloss Charlottenburg.

When to Get There

Expect to spend up to an hour at the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection, though those interested in a deep dive into surrealism will want to linger. Given the gallery’s proximity to Charlottenburg Palace and the Berggruen Museum, it makes sense to combine your visit to those sights with a stop here. The museum is closed Mondays.

The Man Behind the Collection

Wealthy businessman and art collector Otto Gerstenberg accumulated his extensive collection, one of Germany’s most impressive, during the late 19th and early 20th century. Though decimated during World War II, what was left of his collection passed to his grandsons, the Scharf brothers, one of whom was an art collector focused on surrealism. In 2008, the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection opened in the old barracks, recently vacated by the Egyptian Museum.