The exhibition 'Underground - Berlin's Old Town Hall - The Archaeological New Discovery' shows for the first time the extensive results of excavations carried out in the area of the medieval town hall and the new underground station on the U5 extension in front of Rotes Rathaus.

The excavations have provided fresh and detailed insight into the history of the building and structure of the medieval town hall. While numerous excavations have taken place in city centres across Germany in recent years on sites of old town halls, what sets Berlin apart is that it has been possible for archaeologists to preserve large sections of the old structure so that they can be exposed to public view at a later date. Well preserved are the exterior walls, pillars, and vault bases of the lower hall, which was used for trading. Thousands of finds have been unearthed from the different floors and added layers of soil, which provide a fresh picture of Berlin's origins and its importance as an economic centre in the Middle Ages and the centuries that followed.

The exhibition now presents the finds from the excavation, on show after lengthy restoration work, to create a vivid picture of the town hall and surrounding area from the Middle Ages onwards. Another topic highlighted in the show is the excavation work itself. Organizers reveal how archaeologists are applying the most modern methods and technology for the purposes of heritage conservation at such an exposed site. The exhibition also focuses on the relationship between the digs and construction work on the future underground line, and the planned presentation of the archaeological remains of the medieval town hall in the archaeological window which will be built into the new station at Rotes Rathaus.