Ralph Appelbaum Associates

At Berlin’s PETRI Visitor Center, visitors immerse themselves in archaeology by exploring excavated foundations and observing restorers at work in open workshops. The exhibition features interactive elements and an overarching game that invites guests to engage actively.

Initiated by the City of Berlin, the center is located in Cölln, which was independent from Berlin during the Middle Ages. Cölln’s main hub, Petriplatz, housed a town hall, church, and Latin school. The earliest documented mention of Cölln dates back to 1237, marking its historical significance.

The Visitor Center showcases various phases of the Petri church’s history, including the remains of a second Romanesque church and a third Baroque church, the latter of which was destroyed during World War II. Archaeological digs conducted two decades ago unearthed these foundations, leading to the establishment of PETRI, designed by Nagler Architects in the 2010s.

Visitors embark on a journey through seven floors, starting on the ground floor and descending to the basement to view the foundations before ascending to the exhibition floors. A highlights feature is the “finds-game,” where visitors receive a “finds-book” to document their discoveries, mimicking the work of real archaeologists as they learn about excavation, restoration, and the integration of artifacts into museum collections.

The design of the PETRI exhibition reflects archaeological themes, incorporating colors and shapes from excavations and workshops. Research tables with a modular structure include graphic panels, media elements, and showcases. A layer of graphics on the upper levels show the research labs abstractly. Additionally, we created an icon – a worm named Archie – that helps with wayfinding and gives instructions for interactives. A layer of tactile elements (accompanied by an audio guide) helps the blind and visually impaired to have a similar experience.