Travel Guides Crafted by Experienced Archaeologists & Historians
Close up of the limestone bust of Nefertiti showing her face.

The Bust of Nefertiti in the Neues Museum, Berlin

On 6 December 1912 a limestone bust of Nefertiti was unearthed by a German archaeological team led by Ludwig Borchardt. The archaeologists were excavating in Armana, and came upon the ancient sculptor Thutmose’s workshop. Frequently described as the most famous face from antiquity, this bust of Nefertiti is perhaps rivalled only by Tutankhamun’s death mask. Just over two decades later another bust of Nefertiti was uncovered at Amarna. Known as the ‘Unfinished Head of Neferititi’ this artefact is now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Nefertiti Bust
Queen Nefertiti, is her’s the most famous face from antiquity?

Where Was the Bust of Nefertiti Found?

Two sides of the unfinished head of Nefertiti in Cairo.
The unfinished quartzite bust of Nefertiti in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

Where is the Bust of Nefertiti Today?

Nefertiti Bust Neues Museum
The bust of Nefertiti on display in the Neues Museum, Museumsinsel in Berlin.

Is Thutmose’s Bust of Nefertiti on Public Display?

History With Kids

The discovery of Nefertiti is represented in Berlin's Little Big City children's attraction.
A miniature representation of Ludwig Borchardt carrying a very recognisable bust of Nefertiti. Included in a reconstruction of a 1920s street in Berlin at Little Big City Berlin.

Add Neues Museum to Your Itineraries & Travel Lists

Neues Museum, Museumsinsel

The ‘New Museum’ was completed in 1855, but suffered considerable damage during World War II. After a major refurbishment it re-opened in 2009. The museum houses three collections: the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum for Prehistory and Early History, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. One of the most celebrated pieces is the bust of Nefertiti.

Archaeology Travel Writer

Thomas Dowson

With a professional background in archaeology and a passion for travel, I founded Archaeology Travel to help more people explore our world’s fascinating pasts. Born in Zambia, I trained as an archaeologist at the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) and taught archaeology at the universities of Southampton and Manchester (England). Read More

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