Berlin's Neue National Gallerie
Berlin's Neue National Gallerie, or 'Temple of Light and Glass' is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Housed in its walls is a large collection of 20th century art, including both painting and sculpting, from some of the modern world's most influential and respected artists. While many different schools of work are displayed here, most of the museum's emphasis is placed on cubism, expressionism and surrealism.

The original collection was founded in 1861 by J.H.W. Wagener, a Berlin consol and banker. An avid collector, he left his 262 paintings in his will to Prince William I with the request that he find a suitable place for them to be displayed. This collection rapidly increased over the following years, despite 500 of them being destroyed during the Nazi 'Cultural Cleansing'. Finally in 1968 a home was created in a new building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The older, 19th century art was relocated to the Alte National Gallerie, and the more contemporary art was placed in the Hamburger Bahnhof.

The Neue National Gallerie has over 5000 square metres of exhibition space, and should be given a solid morning or afternoon to see, although if you are one to ponder over art a day would be ideal. Be sure to also wander around outside, where many sculptures are on display.

Classic modern art and the art of the 1960's primarily makes up the Neue National Gallerie's collection. The Cubist collection contains exceptional works by Picasso, Gris and Legar. Expressionism plays a major part in the museum's collection. Works by Heckel and Kirchner are on prominent display here. Eleven works by Max Beckmann are shown here, spanning his career from 1908 to 1942. The surrealist works of Dalì, Earnst and Miro provide glimpses into these artists fascinating dream worlds.