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Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism

22.05.2026 to 27.09.2026
Alte Nationalgalerie

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In 2026, the Alte Nationalgalerie will honour Paul Cassirer (1871–1926), one of the most important art dealers of his time. 

Through his gallery’s exceptionally dense and continuous exhibition programme, the Berlin-based galerist Paul Cassirer played a decisive role in spreading French Impressionism in Germany. Thanks to his efforts, artists such as Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and Vincent van Gogh gained wider recognition in the German-speaking world. By presenting their works, Cassirer left a lasting imprint on Germany’s cultural landscape and ignited passionate public debates. Numerous key works entered major German collections and museums through his mediation, including the holdings of the Nationalgalerie.

Cassirer’s commitment was not confined to promoting French art. He was equally dedicated to supporting German Impressionism and the Berlin Secession, represented by artists such as Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, and Max Slevogt. At the same time, he championed significant pioneers of Classical Modernism like Edvard Munch and August Gaul, while also including the young avant-garde—such as Ernst Barlach, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Paula Modersohn-Becker—in the programme of his gallery.

The exhibition Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism presents more than 100 outstanding works of Impressionism and Classical Modernism, showcasing Paul Cassirer’s remarkable commitment to the arts.

Supporting Programme

Das Universum Cassirer: Event program accompanying the special exhibition, featuring free lectures and panel discussions on themes and figures from the world of Paul Cassirer.

Publication

A richly illustrated publication will accompany the exhibition.

Curatorial Team

The exhibition is curated by Josephine Klinger.

Co-curator and project manager: Franziska Lietzmann.


A special exhibition of the Alte Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, made possible by the FREUNDE der Nationalgalerie. Supported by the Kuratorium Preußischer Kulturbesitz.

© © Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main
Cassirer und der Durchbruch des Impressionismus, Rundgang durch die Sonderausstellung, 60 Minuten

Alte Nationalgalerie
Guided tour (60 min)

Visitors at the exhibition “Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism” at the Alte Nationalgalerie
© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Alte Nationalgalerie / David von Becker
Edgar Degas, Orchestra Musicians, 1872
© Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main
Mondayclosed
Tuesday9:30 am to 7 pm
Wednesday9:30 am to 7 pm
Thursday9:30 am to 7 pm
Friday9:30 am to 7 pm
Saturday9:30 am to 7 pm
Sunday9:30 am to 7 pm
Please note:
  • On the second exhibition floor, the special exhibition Cassirer and the Breakthrough of Impressionism is on display until 27 September 2026 – with extended opening hours from 14 August 2026: tuesdays to sundays from 9.30 am to 7  pm.
  • The permanent exhibition in the second exhibition floor will be fully open again from 22 October 2026.

Surcharge Cassirer (6/3 €)
with annual pass CLASSIC, BASIC, Museum Pass, Berlin Welcome Card all inclusive or Museum Island

Surcharge with Annual Pass CLASSIC + BASIC, Museum Pass, WelcomeCard all incl. or MI
6,00 EUR Concessions 3,00
with Annual Pass CLASSIC + BASIC Museum Pass, WelcomeCard ai or Museum Island
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Express Ticket Cassirer
35,00 EUR Concessions -
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Museum Ticket Alte Nationalgalerie + Cassirer
16,00 EUR Concessions 8,00
Alte Nationalgalerie + Cassirer
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Museum Island
24,00 EUR Concessions 12,00
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Annual Pass
118,00 EUR Concessions 50,00
Classic Plus (free time slot ticket required)
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Annual membership Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
from just 25,00 EUR
Annual Passes for the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin

Visitor Entrance

Bodestraße
10178 Berlin

U-Bahn: Museumsinsel
S-Bahn: Friedrichstraße, Hackescher Markt
Tram: Am Kupfergraben, Hackescher Markt
Bus: U Museumsinsel

partially wheelchair accessible

Tel.: +49(0)30 266 42 42 42 (Mo - Fr, 9 am - 4 pm)
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