The Ancient Prussian Art Chamber was originally established by Joachim II Hector, Elector of Brandenburg in the mid 16th century, but was nearly destroyed during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648).

[12] The project is led by a three-member management committee, chaired by founding director Neil MacGregor and also including the co-directors, archaeologist Hermann Parzinger and art historian Horst Bredekamp.

At a height of 30 meters, it offers views of the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island to the north, the Rotes Rathaus and the Fernsehturm to the east, the Neuer Marstall and the State Council Building to the south and the boulevard Unter den Linden and the Brandenburg Gate to the west.

[16][17] In 2018, it was at the center of a debate about the legality of cultural heritage from former German colonies being put on display in Germany, drawing protests from activists and art historians including as Bénédicte Savoy, who alleged the museum had not done enough to research the provenance and failed to critically present objects originating from the Global South in its collection.

[18][19] In October 2024 the Forum announced to alter the lyrics of Udo Lindenbergs 1983 song Sonderzug nach Pankow in an upcoming choir performance.

The Humboldt Forum announced the word could be perceived as hurtful and racist by indigenous people and other visitors and will therefor be replaced.

Critics like Wolfgang Kubicki saw a violation of Artistic freedom, while historian Hubertus Knabe said the Humboldt Forum was leaning towards a "far-left Cult" and stated that the people responsible should be voted out of office.