In 1983, during renovation work on a toyshop, the remains of ancient Roman baths were discovered, thus putting Zürich's history in a new light. The baths were excavated and can now be viewed around the clock through a metal grating.The small exhibition in Thermengasse is supplemented by display units and explanatory texts.

After a long journey across the Alps from Como, the Romans baths of ancient Zürich offered the first opportunity to take a bath. They are situated directly next to the bridge and to Weinplatz, where transported goods were transferred from seagoing to river vessels. Only thus was it possible for the goods to continue on their way northwards on what was then a rather turbulent Limmat River. The settlement around the Roman customs post at Lindenhof flourished; after 160 A.D, the series of baths from the 1st century developed into a new type of bath, which at an estimated 500 sq.m. was four times larger than before. These baths in turn were redesigned and extended at the beginning of the third century.
The thermal baths were heated and formed a central meeting place for the public at large - at least until the Romans withdrew from Zürich in 405/406 A.D.