PETRI Berlin

The Archaeology Lab at Berlin’s historic centre reveals what usually happens behind closed doors. In a way that is so far unique, PETRI Berlin opens up workshops, storage areas, and project spaces to visitors—allowing them to directly engage with current discoveries and research, and to witness each step of the archaeological process. 

Significant finds from across Berlin, along with pieces from the Museum of Prehistory and Early History including objects from the Paleolithic era, Heinrich Schliemann’s collection of Trojan antiquities, and even modern artifacts offer a comprehensive insight into the many facets of archaeology.

The choice of location was no coincidence: PETRI Berlin is built on the foundations of a medieval Latin school that was discovered during excavations between 2007 and 2015. Next to it traces of settlement from the founding period of the twin city of Berlin-Cölln and remnants of the repeatedly rebuilt and remodelled St. Peter’s Church were uncovered. It was the nucleus of the city of Cölln, which emerged on Spree Island opposite Berlin. The mention of its pastor Symeon in 1237 is considered the first documentary reference to the twin city and is also regarded as the birthday of Berlin. In addition, 3,787 sets of human remains were recovered from the Petrikirchhof cemetery, with extensive analysis of them providing important insights into the lives of the city's early inhabitants. A wide range of excavation finds, 3D animations, and models offer deep insights into Berlin’s early history.