The City History Museum is the historical memory of the city of Leipzig and consists of a network of several museums, each with different topics. Leipzig's grand Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall), is one of the most important Renaissance buildings remaining in Germany.
The city had a town hall from as early as the middle of the 14th century when the citizens of Leipzig felt that a building was required to house a large hall, the council chambers, the offices of the town clerk, city archives and municipal administrative offices, etc. However, the current Renaissance structure of the Altes Rathaus, built in 1556, can be attributed to Hieronymus Lotter, who was a businessman and several times Mayor of Leipzig. The building was renovated between 1905-1909.
The ballroom of the Old Town Hall is 53 metres long and was previously used for celebrations by the Saxon princes, aristocrats weddings, craft festivals and student balls. Court proceedings also took place here. At the top of the building, just below the roof, is an inscription that goes all round the building. It is the longest building inscription in all of Germany. Together with the Council Chamber the ballroom has one of the most attractive interiors in Leipzig and hence its usage for grand festivities.
With the building of the New City Hall in 1905, the city's administrative services were moved to the new building. Between 1905-1909, the Altes Rathaus underwent substantial reconstruction to house the Leipzig Museum of City History. The Leipzig Museum keeps records of all developments and events in Leipzig from the Middle Ages up to the present time. The Museum is one of Leipzig's most visited sights.
The Altes Rathaus is also used for other cultural and concert events in the city of Leipzig. Along the arcade there are many shops selling souvenirs and gifts.