Henri James Simon was one of the greatest benefactors to Berlin's museums. However, as a Jewish man, Simon's acts as a key patron to the Berlin State Museums were hidden away under the Nazi regime.

His generosity was recognized some 90 years later with the opening of the James Simon Gallery – Museum Island's incredible new main entrance building that welcomes visitors to Museum Island.

The James-Simon-Galerie is the visitor centre for the Museum Island. The building serves all visitors and will contain ticket desks selling tickets for all museums, information desks, a café, and the central museum gift shop.

The terrace on "Kupfergraben" will be accessible both during and outside museum hours.