House altar: Akhenaten, Nefertiti and their three daughters under the Strahlenaton (Amenhotep IV / Akhenaten,1351–1334 BCE) by Artist unknownNeues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Located on the famous Museum Island in Germany's capital, Berlin, the Neues Museum was built between 1843 to 1855 on the orders of King Frederick William IV of Prussia in Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival styles.
It was originally built as an extension to house collections which could not be accommodated in the Altes Museum. Today exhibits at the museum include the Egyptian and Prehistory and Early History collections.
Below we feature some of the museum's most spectacular pieces. Why not take a look around and see if you can find them?
Bust of Queen Nefertiti (Amenophis IV. / Echnaton, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1340 BCE) by ThutmosisNeues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
'Bust of Queen Nefertiti'
Perhaps the museum's most famous exhibit is this Bust of Queen Nefertiti. The bust consists of a limestone core, onto which several layers of stucco were applied.
Nefertiti died at the age of just thirty years, following an accident or illness. This world-famous work is a fascinating portrait of a young woman and one of history's most powerful rulers.
Tap to explore
But can you find her in the museum?
Click, drag, and use the arrows to take a look around and see if you can find this famous bust.
Mummy Cover and Mummy of Nes-Khonsu-pa-kheret by UnknownNeues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
'Mummy Cover and Mummy of Nes-Khonsu-pa-kheret'
Ancient Egyptian burials aimed to preserve the corpse intact. The dead were mummified and sealed in a decorated coffin. This stunning example is adorned with colorful details, including winged deities.
According to the inscriptions, the owner was a lady named Nes-Chons-pa-cheret. On the head is the representation of a scarab, a symbol of rebirth and renewal.
Tap to explore
But where is this colourful coffin?
Explore the Neues and see if you can locate it.
Sphinx of Shepenupet II., "God's Wife of Amun" (25th Dynasty (Cushites), 746–655 BCE) by Artist unknownNeues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Sphinx of Shepenupet II - 'God's Wife of Amun'
The kings of the 25th Dynasty appointed princesses as wives of the god Amun. Shepenupet II was the daughter of King Piye and sister of King Taharqo. During her life she achieved an important regal status, as you can see from this stunning sphinx made in her likeness.
Her father’s name appears in various locations on the statue, often next to her own, indicating her royal ties. In the sculpture, the sphinx presents a vessel with a ram’s head on the lid, which is thought to be an image of the god Amun.
Tap to explore
Where is the sphynx?
Take a tour around the museum and keep your eyes peeled for this stunning sculpture.
Statue of the goddess Bastet (Late Period, c. 600 BCE) by Artist unknownNeues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
'Statue of the goddess Bastet'
The way the gods were depicted in Ancient Egypt was extremely complex. They could appear in either animal or human form. Sometimes they featured as humans with an animal’s head. The use of specific animals was often important as it symbolised superhuman powers.
Here the goddess Bastet is represented in cat form, a popular animal for gods in Egypt at the time. The statue is thought to represent the gentle form of the usually more fearsome Sekhmet.
Tap to explore
Can you find Bastet?
Explore the artefacts and see if you can find this powerful pussycat.
Hedgehog (12th Dynasty, c. 1800 BCE) by Artist unknownNeues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
'Hedgehog'
The hedgehog has enjoyed great popularity since prehistoric times as it symbolizes nature at peace. It often appeared in depictions of the countryside on reliefs in the Old Kingdom.
In the Middle Kingdom it was often placed in tombs, and in the New Kingdom it again appeared in tomb paintings. However, the hedgehog seems to have had no religious significance of its own.
Tap to explore
Can you find this adorable hedgehog?
Explore the exhibits and try to discover this peaceful piece of pottery.
North Dome Room with the Bust of Nefertiti, Neues Museum Berlin (Amenophis (Amenhotep) IV. / Echnaton, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1340 BCE) by ThutmosisNeues Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Want to discover more of the Neues Museum?
There are thousands more artefacts and exhibits to explore here.
