Hundreds of nostalgic Germans flock to see Angela Merkel’s portrait
Video. A portrait of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is drawing around 900 visitors a day to Berlin’s Bode Museum, an increase of up to 90% compared with the same period last year. The painting has sparked reflections on Merkel’s 16 years in power, with some visitors expressing nostalgia.
Updated: 17/08/2026 - 12:01 GMT+2
A portrait of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is attracting unusually large crowds at Berlin’s Bode Museum, with around 900 visitors now coming to see it each day.
The portrait, painted by Franco-German artist Jérémie Queyras, went on display on 30 June. Since then, visitor numbers have risen by around 85 to 90% compared with the same period last year.
For some visitors, the portrait has triggered a sense of nostalgia for Merkel’s time in office, even among those who did not support her politics.
The portrait will remain at the Bode Museum until 4 October. It will then be transferred to the German Chancellery, where it will join portraits of Merkel’s predecessors.
