Island Music

Museum Island was originally a residential area but, in the 1840s, King Frederick William of Prussia dedicated the island to "art and science".  The island grew from there and is now a UNESCO Heritage Site and home to 5 magnificent museums.  

Many of the museum artefacts were actually removed during the Cold War when Berlin was divided into the East and West.  After the Wall came down, however, the works were returned and the buildings restored.  

As part of its summer program, the Bode Museum - which sits at the edge of the island - hosts weekly outdoor symphonies.  

Although Berlin has often felt quite empty during our stay, people came out in droves to see the performance.  All of the seating and nearby areas completely full by the time we arrived.

Luckily, the music carried and we found ourselves an empty bench nearby to enjoy both the beautiful music and the exquisite sunset view.