The Pergamonmuseum, part of Berlin’s renowned museum complex, has been closed for renovation since October of last year. The refurbishment and expansion project, which began in 2013, was initially set to be completed by 2037. However, a recent investigation by German weekly newspaper Der Spiegel suggests that the reopening date could be pushed back even further to 2043 due to a series of delays and setbacks.
Internal documents and construction files from the past 25 years uncovered a pattern of planning chaos, including contractual disputes, engineering mishaps, poor coordination, and budgeting issues. The project, dubbed “Das Pergamonster” by Der Spiegel, has faced numerous challenges, reminiscent of a quarter-century closure of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Despite the setbacks, the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation remains optimistic that the museum will fully resume operations by 2037. The central section and north wing are expected to reopen in 2027, with the south wing currently undergoing preparations for the next phase of construction, including the addition of a new fourth wing.
The Pergamonmuseum, located on the UNESCO World Heritage site of Museumsinsel Berlin, houses a vast collection of Hellenistic, Babylonian, and Islamic antiquities, some of which are disputed. The museum, built between 1910 and 1930, has endured significant damage and looting during World War II and the Cold War.
The project to refurbish the museum complex was initiated in 1999, following the reunification of Germany. However, delays and escalating costs have plagued the restoration efforts, with the Neues Museum opening three years behind schedule and the new entrance building completed 14 years later than planned. The Altes Museum, the next phase of renovation after the Pergamonmuseum, has yet to begin construction.
Initially estimated at €385 million in 2009, the costs for renovating the Pergamonmuseum have surpassed €489 million by 2017. The second phase of construction has been approved for €722.4 million, more than triple the original projections.
Despite the challenges, the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning anticipates that the entire project will be completed by 2037, with additional costs for risks and construction price increases totaling around €300 million.
The ongoing construction delays coincide with international debates over the ownership of the museum’s collections. Calls from countries like Turkey and Egypt to return high-profile antiquities, including the Pergamon Altar and the bust of Nefertiti, have been met with resistance from the Berlin museum.
In conclusion, while the Pergamonmuseum’s renovation project has faced numerous hurdles and delays, efforts are underway to ensure the completion of the project by 2037, with additional costs and risks factored into the construction timeline. The museum’s rich archaeological collection and historical significance continue to spark discussions about restitution and provenance in the international art community.
