Museum Nikolaikirche

Berlin’s Middle: 800 Years of History and Culture
In the Museum Nikolaikirche, a detailed large scale model shows the medieval city of Berlin.
© Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Felix Naok
The Nikolai Church has shaped the Nikolaiviertel and the center of Berlin since the Middle Ages.
© Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Fiona Hirschmann

Berlin’s oldest church building now houses a museum. The permanent exhibition conveys the architectural, ecclesiastical and musical history of the important building and the urban development of Berlin in the Middle Ages.

Location
Museum Nikolaikirche
Nikolaikirchplatz
10178 Berlin

Opening Hours
daily | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (also on public holidays)

Special Closing Hours
see Info & Service

Admission
7 euros (single ticket) | 15 euros (combi-ticket*) | free admission (under 18 years or with reduction)

*Valid on two consecutive days for the Museum Ephraim-Palais, the Museum Nikolaikirche and the Museum Knoblauchhaus.

Over the course of its history, the church has been structurally and stylistically transformed several times over. Its construction and furnishings have always reflected the creative civic drive and economic power of the people of Berlin. Since the end of the 19th century, its distinctive double towers have defined the skyline of the city centre. Thanks to far-sighted decisions and dedicated advocacy, the Nikolaikirche is once again an intact historic monument, where Berlin’s residents and visitors can experience all the facets of the church’s rich history.

The church viewed from the organ loft
© Stadtmuseum Berlin | Photo: Michael Setzpfandt
The first construction of the Nikolaikirche dates to the founding of Berlin around 1230. In addition to being a place of faith and a burial site for important Berlin families, the church also served as the city’s Ratskirche (city council church) and was thus the setting of many historically significant events, including the Protestant Reformation. 

It was here that the first assembly of the city council was sworn into office in 1809. Shortly after German reunification, the first Berlin-wide city parliament convened here in 1991. Towards the end of the Second World War, the Nikolaikirche was badly damaged by bombs. Most of the church later collapsed and remained in ruins until 1984. Following completion of its reconstruction in 1987 for Berlin’s 750th anniversary, this unique architectural monument was re-purposed as a museum.

A place of music

The Nikolaikirche has also played an important role in Berlin’s musical history. The work of the cantor and composer Johann Crüger (1598 – 1662) and his collaborations with pastor and poet Paul Gerhardt (1607 – 1676) were among Berlin’s first major contributions to European cultural history. The church’s musical tradition lives on today with regular events and concerts.

Exhibitions

Savoir-vivre im Nikolaiviertel: Das Museum Nikolaikirche ist umgeben von Cafés, Restaurants und liebevoll geführten Geschenkläden.
© Stadtmuseum Berlin | Foto: Fiona Hirschmann

Discover the Nikolaiviertel!

Welcome to the oldest part of the city of Berlin! Three museums invite you to discover here: the Museum Nikolaikirche, the Museum Knoblauchhaus and the Museum Ephraim-Palais. Learn about Berlin’s history in our historic and partly original buildings and take part in our diverse program.

Info & Service

Opening Hours

daily | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (also on public holidays)

Extra opening hours/closing times
Tue | 24.12. (Christmas Eve) | closed
Wed | 25.12. (Christmas Day) | 12 noon – 6 p.m.
Thu | 26.12. (2nd Christmas Day) | 12 noon – 6 p.m.
Tue | 31.12. (New Year’s Eve) | closed
Wed | 01.01. (New Year) | 12 noon – 6 p.m.

The visitor rules of the Stiftung Stadtmuseum Berlin apply.

Directions

Nikolaikirchplatz
10178 Berlin

Contact

Infoline
+49 30 24 002-162
Mo – Fri | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Write E-Mail

Tickets

Admission

Combi-Ticket
15 euros
Valid for our three museums in the Nikolaiviertel (Museum Nikolaikirche, Museum Ephraim-Palais, Museum Knoblauchhaus) on two consecutive days (please note opening hours)

Single Ticket
7 euros
Day ticket for the Museum Nikolaikirche

Free admission
With proof of reduction

For children & young people under 18, students, trainees, FSJ/FÖJ/BFD volunteers, Berlin-Ticket-S holders, severely disabled persons (with mark B) & accompanying person, refugees (with valid work or residence permit /eAT and Ukrainian passport or valid residence permit from Ukraine), recipients of residence permit /eAT and Ukrainian passport or valid residence permit from Ukraine), recipients of transfer benefits (citizen’s allowance, ALG I), holders of the Berlin-Brandenburg volunteer card, holders of the Super Holiday Pass / Berlin Family Pass, ICOM members, members of the German Museums Association, members of the Verein der Freunde und Förderer des Stadtmuseums Berlin e. V., KulturPass holders, media representatives with a valid press card

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility