Inclusion in The Berlin State Museums
The Nefertiti Bust is one of the most well-known Egyptian treasuries housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin. I came here after revisiting my favourite collection in Pergamon Museum. And I didn’t expect to find something more spectacular than The Ishtar Gate which I had been dreaming to see since my student years. But I found something exceeding the awe of discovering historical gems.
The entire Egyptian collection was impressive with its sophisticated masterpieces, unbelievably old and supernatural. Then I proceeded to the north dome room with emerald niches and patterned floor. The Nefertiti Bust was displayed centrally, beautiful and mysterious it stood on a dark column protected by a glass case. The room was crowded and guards constantly reminded visitors not to stand to close to the glass. No photographs were allowed.
Meanwhile in the corner of the room there was something that made me standing there for a long time leaving the Queen behind. Several hands were touching a metal copy of the Nefertiti Bust and its nameplate with a Braille. The copy was aimed for sight-impaired persons. I couldn’t imagine something more humane than that sculpture, the embodiment of endeavours to make Nefertiti’s beauty that accessible for people regardless of their abilities.
The Berlin State Museums (comprising seventeen museums including the Neues Museum) ensure that their institutions are open to a wide audience. Visitors can explore the collection with a simplified language audio-guide. Moreover, museums hold events designed to include persons with diverse needs and requirements.