'Unexploded WWII bomb' actually time capsule from nightclub that helped launch Madonna’s career

The former owner says he has no idea what is inside of the time capsule

The owner isn't sure what might be in the time capsule

Workers in Manhattan have received an unexpected blast from the past after working on a project to try and avoid a literal blast.

A time capsule was discovered by construction workers in the Flatiron section of the New York City borough, but originally thought it may have been a bomb from around the time of the second world war.

While New York City never saw combat during that war, the area would decades later become a happening part of the city’s party and club scene. And, it was during that time that some party people decided to bury a memento to be unearthed in the future.

The capsule was buried in 1985 by club goers and bartenders from the Danceteria club there. The former club owner said he bought the capsule for $200 at an Army Navy store in the city, and encouraged people to come to a party to celebrate the idea.

“It was just an excuse to do a party,” John Argento told the New York Daily News. “We forgot about it and went on to the next party.”

Mr Argento says that he’s not really sure what’s in the capsule anymore, but that he’d like to find out.

“I was hoping the contents survived and I went to get them back because a lot of people ask about it,” Mr Argento said.

Police have said that he may be able to come by and pick up the contents once they’ve been searched.

That former club is perhaps best known for having been featured in a Madonna music video. Madonna also performed there earlier on in her career, as has Billy Idol, Duran Duran, and several other 80s stars.

The club closed about a year after the time capsule was buried, in 1986.

Mr Argento says that hen operates two clubs in New Jersey.