Petri Berlin: Archaeological experience starts with a big ceremony!

Petri Berlin: Archaeological experience starts with a big ceremony!

Petriplatz, Kleine Gertraudenstraße 8, 10178 Berlin, Deutschland - On June 23, 2025, the opening of the new interactive interpretation offer Petri Berlin took place. This innovative project is the result of a cooperation between the Museum of Preliminary and Early History and the State Monument Office Berlin. From June 24, 2025, Petri Berlin will be accessible to the public and will serve as a significant place for archaeological discoveries and as a combination of research and experience. The location is located on Petriplatz, Kleine Gertraudenstraße 8, 10178 Berlin, and rises above one of the historically oldest parts of city history.

The opening ceremony was accompanied by prominent guests from culture, politics and science. The ceremony was moderated by Matthias Wemhoff, the state archaeologist, and Christoph Rauhut, the state conservator. Among the speakers were Kai Wegner, the governing mayor, Christian Gaebler, Senator for Urban Development, Marion Ackermann, President of the Prussian Culture Foundation, and Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economy. The Senate Economic Administration supported the project with 28.5 million euros from GRW funds in order to make the archaeological and cultural treasures of Berlin accessible to a wider audience.

insights into history

Petri Berlin offers visitors an interactive experience that takes them on a journey through the archaeological history of the city. The opening is accompanied by an action weekend on June 28 and 29, 2025, which includes free tours and diverse family offers. The regular opening times are from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From July 1, 2025, admission is 6 euros, reduced 3 euros, while children and adolescents up to 18 years are allowed in free of charge.

The locations where excavations took place are of great historical relevance. From 2007 to 2009 and 2015, significant finds were made, including traces of settlement from the founding time of the Double town of Berlin - Cölln and the foundation remains of the Petrikirche, which is considered the nucleus of the city of Cölln.

interactive experiences and exhibitions

The motto of the opening exhibition "Discovering Archeology" is reflected in numerous interactive offers. Visitors can follow the path of an archaeological find from the excavation to the exhibition. Special highlights are an interactive wall and a large media table that find finds and the beginnings of the city of Berlin.

In the basement there is an insight into the underground city history, as well as tactile models and audio and video articles on the history of the place. A separate area in the basement is used as an ossarium, where 3787 bones were buried. In addition, the latest archaeological research results are exhibited and interactive stations explain the important activities for excavations.

A highlight is the view that the loggia enables on Berlin's middle on the fifth floor. Workshops, temporary exhibition elements and participatory school projects are offered here to promote participation and understanding of archeology. Children can discover and look after their own finds in the interactive Petri game, which explains the connection between past and the present.

For a comprehensive discovery of city history and the archaeological finds, Petri Berlin offers a unique access, which is made possible by the close cooperation between the State Monument Office and the Museum of Pre- and Early History. Further information about the opening and the upcoming exhibitions can be found on the website of the Berlin State Monuments, at Visit Berlin Berlin.de.