Visit to the roof terrace: views of the history of the place, architectural art, and Berlin's landmarks

History of the sight

The view allows visitors to visualize spatial references to the history of the site, such as the Crown Prince's Palace, the Armory, and the Old Museum. In front of the Baret, one of 36 traces of the site's history can be found in the form of an iced coffee cup from the milk bar in the Palace of the Republic.

Art on the roof terrace


An abstract, golden city panorama blends into the panoramic view of Berlin to the east, expanding it artistically. The art on construction project Insurgentes Sur by Antje Schiffers and Thomas Sprenger is an allusion to the silhouette of Mexico City, one of Berlin's twin cities. The title Insurgentes Sur refers to the southern part of the longest main street in the Mexican capital, Avenida de los Insurgentes (Avenue of the Insurgents). Further references can be found in Alexander von Humboldt's research expeditions. He stayed in Mexico City during his expedition in 1803. The gold leaf used in the art in architecture project references the collections of the Ethnological Museum by alluding to historical and contemporary power relations in global relations.

Wilhelm von Humboldt's fascination with language forms the starting point for the second installation on the roof terrace, “The Cosmos – Things Fall Apart” by Emeka Ogboh. The sound installation, featuring a choral rendition of the Igbo folk song “Nne, Nne, Udu” from Nigeria, is an allegory about a young girl whose careless behavior while carrying a valuable clay pot on her head results in the pot shattering into many pieces. The folk song and chants originate from a rich Igbo tradition of oral storytelling and criticize the destructive influences of Christianity on Igbo culture. The multi-channel sound installation plays every hour on the hour.

Further information on the artworks and the topic of art in architecture at the Humboldt Forum can be found here.

Further information

The terrace, which covers around 1,800 square metres, can be visited is accessible via a lift from the ground floor. The terrace offers a circular walkway with views in all four directions and is barrier-free.  

A ticket is required for your visit. 3,00 € / reduced 1,50 €. Please use the elevator in the stairwell. You also need a ticket to visit the rooftop restaurant Baret. If you have a reservation, please show your reservation confirmation at the elevator. Wheelchair accessible.


Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun: 10:30 - 18:30, Fri, Sat: 10:30 - 18:00. Closed on Tuesdays.


You can visit the Baret rooftop restaurant when you visit the roof terrace. The Baret restaurant is open from 11:00 - 00:00. It is closed on Tuesdays.