× Information on this section of ECOLEX comes from the InforMEA Portal which compiled information from MEA Secretariats with the support of the European Union. The accuracy of the information displayed is the responsibility of the originating data source. In case of discrepancy the information as displayed on the respective MEA website prevails. Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin (Germany) Document type Decision Reference number VIII.C.1 Date Nov 29, 1999 SourceUNEP, InforMEA Status Active Subject Wild species & ecosystems Treaty Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972) Meeting 23e session du Comité Website whc.unesco.org Abstract Property: Museumsinsel (Museum Island), Berlin Id. N°: 896 State Party: Germany Criteria: C (ii) (iv) The Committee inscribed the site on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (ii) and (iv). Criterion (ii): The Berlin Museumsinsel is an unique ensemble of museum buildings, which illustrated the evolution of modern museum design over more than a century. Criterion (iv): The art museum is a social phenomenon that owes its origins to the Age of Enlightenment and its extension to all people to the French Revolution. The Museumsinsel is the most outstanding example of this concept given material from and a symbolic central urban setting. The Observer of Poland emphasized that in this type of properties it was essential to maintain not only the values of the monumental buildings, but also to maintain the integrity of the museum collections.