German Maritime Museum

Lighting for the new permanent exhibition “Ship Worlds – The Ocean and Us”

The German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven, Leibniz Institute for Maritime History, conveys the technical, cultural, and ecological effects of shipping on the oceans in its new permanent exhibition in the Bangert Building. As a research museum, the DSM places a special focus on scientific approaches and interactive communication, allowing visitors to actively immerse themselves in the complex subject matter.

The central “light theme” is natural light and its dynamic changes throughout the day. This is due to the numerous openings in the architecture on both vertical and horizontal levels. Daylight can be experienced in all its facets. In addition, light at sea plays an important role as an essential component of the weather in shipping.
The change in light throughout the day means a changing dynamic in the lighting design, with brighter and darker zones, but also with the conscious use of continuously adjustable white light control. In combination with natural light, clever colored light control creates color temperature contrasts even during the day, which can enrich the sensory experience and enhance the scenography.

Object: Museum
Builder: Leibniz Institute of Maritime History
Scenography: chezweitz
Photos: DSM / Nicole Werner Fotografie Hamburg, Alexander Butz für chezweitz GmbH
Location: Bremerhaven
Completion: 2024
Services: Planning and consultation for exhibition and exhibit lighting