Originally Posted by ermdjdsj
1. Maerkisches Museum (near an U-bahn stop wtih the same name) -- amazing collection of stuff on the history of Berlin and the area, going back a couple thousand years, with a very impressive 19th and 20th century historical collection, artistic iron works, art works, science history, videos, even propoganda board games played by Hitler youth. It helps if you can read German because not all the exhibits have English translations, but isn't required to get a feel for the place.
I had to go back on two different days, there was so much interesting stuff to see, read.
You know the little park behind this museum? Well, I was wandering around last time, and stumbled upon the little pen that houses Berlin's bears, the symbol of the city. It's pretty interesting, they have a couple of information boards that tell you the stories of Berlin's bears.