The Altes Museum was built in the early 19th century to contain the Prussian royal family’s collection of art. As lovely as it looks in photos, in real life it is stunning. My traveling companion and I toured the museum for hours, studying the Ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan works. At 6pm the bells of the Berlin Cathedral began to ring the call to Vespers, so we ran outside to listen. Once out there, we saw a Syrian wedding party arrive in the Lustgarten out front. They danced and played music while the crowds gathered around and clapped. Later in the trip, I discovered that this exact location was used by the Nazi’s for rallies during WWII. In the image below, I would have been standing about where Hitler is standing as I filmed the New Berlin being celebrated.
Berlin Kundgebung zum 1. Mai 1936 am alten Museum im Lustgarten. Attribution: Bundesarchiv, B 145 Bild-P022065 / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Syrian Wedding Party, Lustgarten, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
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Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
The Spear-Bearer of Polykleitos, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dionysus & Silenus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Young Girl’s Memorial, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dionysus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Actors, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Amor & Psyche, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Amazon, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Lion, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Recumbent Man from Chiusi, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dionysus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Athena, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Artemis, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Berliner Dom & Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Greyhound, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Meleager, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Boy with Thorn in Foot (Spinario), Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hermaphrodite, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Satyr & Hermaphrodite, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Apollo, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Narcissus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Roman Women, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
The Praying Boy, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Trojan Heroes, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
The Green Caeser, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dionysus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Zeus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Griffon, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Demeter, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Theseus & The Minotaur, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marcus Arelius, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Nike, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Berliner Dom & Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Roman Woman, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Juno Sospita, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dionysus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Nike, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dionysus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Etruscans, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dancing Maidens, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Griffon, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Mourning Slave, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dionysus, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Livia, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Persian Goat, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Homer, Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Cemeteries are everywhere in Germany. Centuries of history combined with a culture built upon memorializing and remembrance give cities like Berlin some of their most beautiful greenspaces. People treat the cemeteries like public parks, so unlike the sterile flat lawns of cemeteries back home you have shady groves, beautiful statuary, and plenty of benches to sit on. It is common to see people having lunch or just hanging out with friends in the cemeteries. Cemetery photography has been a hobby of mine for years, so Berlin was the perfect place for me.
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Battle of Berlin & Others, Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Black Cat, Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Mass Grave, Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Bertoldt Brecht, Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Elliott Cribbs
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Elliott Cribbs
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Elliott Cribbs
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter Garnisonsfriedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Vines, Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Elliott Cribbs
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dreifaltigkeitsfriedhof II – Trinity Cemetery, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Architecture in Germany is historically significant for its lack of consistency. You can have buildings ranging in age from 300 years old to last year on the same block. This patchwork effect is the visible scarring from centuries of war and division. Germans feel no need to maintain their reputation for a fairytale aesthetic; you often see 18th century buildings with neighbors or additions done in a completely modern style.
Bremen Town Square, Bremen.. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Zionskirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Alt und Neu, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dussman’s Media Market Lobby, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hamburg. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Humboldt University. Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Modern Building, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Geismar. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Humboldt University, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Church Door, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Novum Hotel, Hamburg. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Berliner Dom & Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
St. Thomas Church, Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Bremen. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, Hamburg. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Volksbühne, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Neue Synagoge, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Geismar. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Fernsehturm, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Opfermoor Vogtei. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
St. Nicholas Church, Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dorotheenstädtisch-Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Badstraße 40-41, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
May Day, Kreuzberg. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Friedrichstrasse, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dachau Concentration Camp
Building Detail, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Bremen Town Square, Bremen.. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Church, Geismar. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Bremen Town Square, Bremen.. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Bremen Town Square, Bremen.. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Viktoriapark, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Grimmwelt, Kassel. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Passionskirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Weimar. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dussman’s Media Market Lobby, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Longhouse, Opfermoor Vogtei. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Dussman’s Media Market Lobby, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Hamburg Hauptbahnhof. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
St. Nicholas Church, Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Sign, Checkpoint Charlie U-Bahn Station, Berlin. Photo by Elliott Cribbs
Hameln. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Altes Stadthaus, Berlin. Ph, oto by Scarlett Messenger
Sunset on Torstraße, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Topography of Terror Museum, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Leipzig. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) near Alexanderplatz was first mentioned in 1292, making it at least the second oldest church in Berlin. While we were there, it was undergoing renovations, so I did not take many photos of the outside. Like almost every structure in Berlin, it was rebuilt after the war.
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
Marienkirche, Berlin. Photo by Scarlett Messenger
An Study of the German Forest in Song, Myth, and Folklore