20120308 Berlin

 

 
 
 

This was the 2^nd visit to Berlin after 3 years. Last visit was too short to scratch the surface of this magnificent city, and this time the museums were my target.

 

Was so glad to meet a few friends. Thank Jutta for accommodating me these days, her knowledge on Berliner history, culture and the city itself was solid, a very good city tour guide indeed; thank Connie to travel all they way from Frankfurt and brought me 2kg Ritter Sport chocolate; and thank Holger for the brunch at Zenner in Jazz mood.

 

The combined ticket of 16 museums for 3 days cost only EUR19. Super value!

 

Jewish Museum, the architecture itself was impressive. Silver cold colour, and scar-like slits of slanting opening (windows) exterior compelled a solemn mood. The interior was designed in dark colour, narrow zigzagging walkways, simple but with razor sharp edges, portrayed a sense of depression. However the noisy student groups spoiled the atmosphere. The exhibits were not gory visually, many artefacts of Jews, Jewish history in Germany, suppression, liberation by Russians, trial of Nazi criminals. Familiar stories were repeating.

 

Pergamon Museum, I was obsessed seeing the beautiful Pergamon Altar, large façade of Babylon, Ashur, Mshatta etc. proving the great civilization dated a few millenniums back. The German had excavated many precious archaeological artefacts from Middle East and Turkey and transported back to Germany in the early 20th century. Under today’s perspective, this was an act of national treasure looting. But consider that this could be a better way to preserve the historical precious artefacts, I appreciated their effort instead. Or the abolishment of Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Buddha statues incidence may happen. During the WW2, lots of artefacts were transported to Russia for protection. A large portion was still retained in Moscow nowadays. Also in exhibition were excellent Islamic civilization evidence, monuments and sculptures of ancient kingdom.

 

Neueu Museum, I would say it's an Egyptian Museum instead. It housed lots of Egyptian historical artefacts, pretty good. The bust of Nefertiti was excellent, she is pretty in today's view. And this is the only artefact that disallowed photographing. Egyptian authorities demand this bust to be returned to them, and the story says that the person (German) who funded the excavation claimed his ownership.

 

Topographie des Terrors, depicts the history of Nazi's formation, establishment of SS police, crimes, the fall, and post war 1945. The articles that related to Adolf Hitler were very less. Too much to read, a little tiring.

 

I like Berlin, for its character, and best of all, it was not expensive in Germany standard.

 
 
 

Pergamon Museum, this was the main reason I re-visiting Berling.

 
 

Berliner Dom. Had visited last time.

 
 

Berliner Dom. Had visited last time.

 
 


A passer-by dropped me a curious look while taking this photo, and we both laughed.

 
 

Jewish Museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind.

 
 

Jewish Museum, zinc-clad walls and the slits.

 
 

Jewish Museum, zigzagging irregular sharp dimensions present a cold and depressed atmosphere. Not my poor photographing skill.

 
 

Jewish Museum, signboard of Jews off limit.

 
 

Jewish Museum, noise of metal creaking/ crying while walking on these "iron faces" was so annoying.

 
 

Jewish Museum, different sizes of solid iron plates.

 
 

Jewish Museum, the yellow star to identify the Jewish identity.

 
 

Jewish Museum, stylish staircase.

 
 

Ritter Sport, create your own chocolate.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Pergamon Altar, 35.64m wide 33.4m deep.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Pergamon Altar, east frieze.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, market gate of Miletus, 17m high 29m wide.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Ishtar Gate in Babylon, dedicated to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Ishtar Gate, lion on blue glazed bricks.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, documentary of original historical site, the carvings has been removed to here (see photo below).

 
 

Pergamon Museum.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Ishtar Gate, lions and flowers decorated the processional street.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Mshatta facade, 8th century Umayyad residential palace of Qasr Mshatta, one of the desert castles in Jordan.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Mshatta facade.

 
 

Pergamon Museum, Allepo room, original from Syria.

 
 

The border line of east and west Berlin - Jutta and Connie-baby.

 
 

Checkpoint Charlie, boards were erected documenting the historical period.

 
 

Checkpoint Charlie.

 
 

In the dance house, playing retro music, crowded even during weekdays. Crowds range from 18-80... fun!

 
 

Holger & Anetta.

 
 

Brunch with Jazz live performance.

 
 

Neue Museum, pockmarks of bullets left over during the WWII.

 
 

Neue Museum, Egyptian coffins.

 
 

Neue Museum, layers of coffins.

 
 

Neue Museum, Egyptian carving.

 
 

Neue Museum, a bust.

 
 

Neue Museum, statue and roof opening.

 
 

Neue Museum, bust of Nefertiti, this was the only item disallowed photographing, the picture is from internet.

 
 

Elegent German technology.

 
 

Enjoyed good home breakfast.

 
 

Topographie des Terrors, documented the act of Nazi but not much about Hitler and visual disturbing records.