Asian Art Museum — Attraction in Berlin

The "museum" is part of a larger complex and is perhaps better described as a wing or exhibition.

For my visit the process was very simple, deposit your bags in the staffed cloakrooms, head up to the third floor and enter from either side. No tickets or payments were required.

The exhibition is split into four sections spread across several rooms. They were, (in the order I experienced them,) Buddhist art in South Asia, Indian art, Japanese art, Chinese art and Korean art. The quality and quantity of pieces varied between rooms. The Buddhist section has the most pieces while the Japanese room had the least.

That isn't to say the Japanese room is bad, it just focuses on fewer pieces and has a model tearoom with live tea ceremonies on specific days of the week.

The Korean cabinets were almost empty when I visited which was very disappointing but was simply a result of unlucky timing. These pieces have hopefully been returned by now.

Another issue present throughout, is the near constant triggering of alarms. Many larger pieces are not behind glass, which is fantastic except for the fact that if you try to get a closer look you'll be startled by a loud alarm and then (lightly) scolded by staff. There are no markings, warning or any other indicators of how close you can get before this happens resulting in a constant state of mild anxiety that prevents you from ever getting comfortable and fully absorbing the pieces in front of you.

My favourite section was the Buddhist art (which was surprising to me as I'm a fan of historic Japanese art). There is a clear theme throughout and the information provided helps explain specific elements of Buddhist faith and worship. The other sections didn't have a discernable theme and felt like extras without the strength to standalone.

Overall it's a decent experience and I'm glad I went. Even with the alarms, missing pieces and not being able to see the tea ceremony it was an enjoyable and light experience that imperfectly celebrates some...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Asian Art Museum in Berlin is an absolute gem for anyone passionate about Asian art and culture. This museum offers an incredible journey through a diverse array of artifacts, spanning several millennia and multiple regions of Asia.

Indian Art Gallery: The Indian Art Gallery is a highlight, featuring a stunning collection of artifacts that showcase the evolution of Hindu and Jain art. From intricate Chola bronzes to beautiful Gupta sculptures, the gallery provides a deep dive into India's rich spiritual and artistic heritage.

Buddhist Influence: The Buddhist influence is well-represented throughout the museum. The collection includes remarkable pieces from key Buddhist regions like Gandhara, with its unique Greco-Buddhist sculptures, and the detailed art from the Pala period. These artifacts illustrate how Buddhism spread across Asia and influenced various artistic traditions.

ASEAN Galleries: The ASEAN galleries are equally impressive, offering a glimpse into the artistic traditions of Southeast Asia. Highlights include the intricate temple carvings from Angkor Wat, delicate Thai goldwork, and stunning Javanese bronzes. It’s fascinating to see how Indian and Buddhist art influenced the region's artistic development.

Overall, the Asian Art Museum in Berlin is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich and diverse art of Asia. The exhibits are well-curated and offer insightful context, making it a truly enriching experience....

Lovely place! worth spending your time, there’s many expositions to choose from. The personal is so kind and informative, the installations so clean and offer easy access in every space (♿️). Almost every expo was free (except for 3 of them. They have locker available for free (just have 1€ or 50cts in hand) and they are spacious!

Special mention to how well thought and curated were the Asian art pieces. One of the best museums we’ve visited (based on the effort from the museum and not just the art exhibited itself). Also loved to be able to grab a chair with us and have time to sit in front of each piece and contemplate...