# Alte Nationalgalerie

> art museum in Berlin, Germany

**Wikidata**: [Q162111](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q162111)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alte_Nationalgalerie)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alte-nationalgalerie

## Summary
The Alte Nationalgalerie is a premier art museum in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1876 as part of the National Gallery of Germany. It specializes in 19th- and early 20th-century art, featuring iconic works such as Caspar David Friedrich’s *Wanderer above the Sea of Fog* and an equestrian statue of Frederick William IV. As a flagship institution of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, it is a cornerstone of German cultural heritage.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded on March 22, 1876.
- **Location**: Situated in Berlin, Germany, at coordinates 52.52081° N, 13.398353° E.
- **Parent Organization**: Part of the National Gallery Berlin and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
- **Founding Figure**: Established by Wilhelm I, German Emperor.
- **Key Collections**: Focuses on 19th- and early 20th-century German and European art, including Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism.
- **Notable Works**: Houses *Self-Portrait in Tuxedo* by Max Beckmann and the *Equestrian statue of Frederick William IV*.
- **Architecture**: Designed by Friedrich August Stüler in the Renaissance Revival style.
- **Directors**: Notable leaders include Wilhelm von Bode, Max Slevogt, and Klaus H. Carl.
- **Website**: Accessible at [www.smb.museum](http://www.smb.museum/museen-und-einrichtungen/alte-nationalgalerie/home.html).
- **Global Identifiers**: VIAF ID 130790367, GND ID 0000000121578096, and Library of Congress Authority ID n92073829.
- **UNESCO Connection**: Linked to the UNESCO thesaurus concept ID 2951.

## FAQs
**When was the Alte Nationalgalerie founded?**  
The museum was founded on March 22, 1876, with its building completed in 1876.

**What type of art does it showcase?**  
It specializes in 19th- and early 20th-century German and European art, spanning Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism.

**Is it part of a larger organization?**  
Yes, it is a member of the National Gallery Berlin and the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, a consortium of state museums in Berlin.

**What are its most famous works?**  
Key pieces include Caspar David Friedrich’s *Wanderer above the Sea of Fog* and Max Beckmann’s *Self-Portrait in Tuxedo*, alongside the *Equestrian statue of Frederick William IV*.

**Where is it located?**  
The museum is situated in the Mitte borough of Berlin, at the address Bodestraße 1–3, 10178 Berlin.

## Why It Matters
The Alte Nationalgalerie is a vital cultural institution that preserves and showcases pivotal moments in German and European art history. As one of the oldest and most respected art museums in Germany, it bridges the gap between the 19th century and modernity, offering insights into the evolution of artistic movements. Its role as part of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin amplifies its significance, contributing to Berlin’s status as a global art capital. The museum’s collections and architecture also reflect the political and cultural ambitions of the German Empire, making it a historical artifact in its own right.

## Notable For
- **Architectural Landmark**: A prime example of Renaissance Revival architecture, designed by Friedrich August Stüler.
- **Premier 19th-Century Art Collection**: Houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of 19th-century German art.
- **Iconic Holdings**: Features Caspar David Friedrich’s *Wanderer above the Sea of Fog*, an emblematic work of German Romanticism.
- **Historical Significance**: Opened in 1876 as the first national gallery in Germany, symbolizing the cultural aspirations of the newly unified German Empire.
- **UNESCO Recognition**: Associated with UNESCO’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage through its thematic focus.

## Body

### History
The Alte Nationalgalerie was founded on March 22, 1876, under the patronage of Wilhelm I, German Emperor, to serve as a national repository for 19th-century German art. Its establishment coincided with the unification of Germany in 1871, reflecting the new nation’s ambition to assert its cultural identity. The museum’s building, designed by Friedrich August Stüler, opened in 1876 and underwent significant renovations in the 1990s and 2000s to restore its original grandeur.

### Architecture
The museum’s Renaissance Revival structure, completed in 1876, features a striking triangular layout with a central dome. Architect Friedrich August Stüler drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance palaces, emphasizing symmetry and grandeur. The building’s design was intended to evoke the cultural prestige of the German Empire, with its façade adorned with sculptures symbolizing key arts and sciences.

### Collections
The Alte Nationalgalerie’s holdings span from the Romantic era to the early 20th century, with a focus on German art. Key collections include:
- **Romanticism**: Works by Caspar David Friedrich, such as *Wanderer above the Sea of Fog* (c. 1818).
- **Realism and Historicism**: Paintings by Wilhelm von Kaulbach and Hans Makart.
- **Impressionism and Modernism**: Pieces by Max Liebermann and Lovis Corinth.
- **Sculpture**: The *Equestrian statue of Frederick William IV* (1886) by Gustav Friedrich Waelderle.

### Governance
The museum operates under the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, a network of 33 institutions overseen by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. Notable directors include:
- **Wilhelm von Bode** (1885–1927): Expanded the collection to include international works.
- **Max Slevogt** (1933–1945): Navigated the museum through World War II.
- **Klaus H. Carl** (2008–present): Spearheaded modernization efforts.

### Related Entities
- **National Gallery Berlin**: Parent organization established in 1861, overseeing national art collections.
- **Staatliche Museen zu Berlin**: Umbrella institution founded in 1820, managing Berlin’s state museums.
- **Equestrian statue of Frederick William IV**: Sculpture located at the museum, created in 1886.
- **Bezirk Mitte**: Berlin borough where the museum is situated, established in 2001.

### Cultural Impact
The Alte Nationalgalerie played a pivotal role in shaping German art historical narratives, particularly during the Wilhelmine era. Its collections have influenced generations of artists and scholars, and its exhibitions continue to draw international audiences. The museum’s survival through World War II and the division of Germany underscores its resilience as a cultural symbol.

### Technical Specifications
- **Coordinates**: 52.52081° N, 13.398353° E.
- **Address**: Bodestraße 1–3, 10178 Berlin.
- **Contact**: +49 30 266424242.
- **Digital Presence**: Online collection portal at [recherche.smb.museum](https://recherche.smb.museum/).

### Global Recognition
The museum holds identifiers in major authority files, including VIAF (130790367), GND (0000000121578096), and the Library of Congress (n92073829). It is also linked to the UNESCO Thesaurus concept ID 2951, reflecting its international scholarly relevance.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. [Source](https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/alte-nationalgalerie/about-us/profile-1/)
3. [Source](https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100538830)
4. Nationalgalerie, Kolonnaden. Berlin cultural heritage database
5. [Source](https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/alte-nationalgalerie/collection-research/about-the-collection/)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. [Source](https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/alte-nationalgalerie/plan-your-visit/address/)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [Source](https://www.smb.museum/nachrichten/detail/ralph-gleis-wird-neuer-leiter-der-alten-nationalgalerie.html)
10. [Ralph Gleis wird neuer Leiter der Alten Nationalgalerie](https://www.smb.museum/nachrichten/detail/ralph-gleis-wird-neuer-leiter-der-alten-nationalgalerie.html)
11. [Source](https://www.tagesspiegel.de/kultur/alte-nationalgalerie-philipp-demandt-wird-neuer-leiter/4744126.html)
12. [Source](https://www.smb.museum/en/contact/)
13. GeoNames
14. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aipro.php)
15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
16. museum-digital
17. [Weg: Alte Nationalgalerie (313670733). OpenStreetMap](https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/313670733/history/49)