Expedition Oceans

The exhibition "Expedition Oceans" at the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn highlights the oceans as the origin of all life and as the largest interconnected ecosystem on Earth. It offers a comprehensive insight into the diverse functions of the seas, including their role as a source of raw materials, energy supplier, food source, transportation route, and climate regulator. Despite their immense significance, the depths of the oceans have only been explored to about 5%, which the exhibition impressively addresses. The exhibition is divided into three central themes: 1. Deep Sea and Its Ecosystems: This section presents the mysterious and often fragile ecosystems of the deep sea. 2. Oceans as Economic Spaces: This part highlights the seas as contested areas that shape economy, globalization, and the exchange of ideas. 3. Oceans as Places of Longing: The exhibition showcases the oceans as a source of endless inspiration for imagination and creativity. A special highlight is two immersive installations: - Elevator to the Deep Sea: This installation allows a virtual journey from the ocean surface to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, eleven kilometers deep. - Virtual Dive Station: Using virtual reality technology, visitors can explore a virtual deep-sea habitat and experience life in the darkness of the oceans up close. The exhibition combines scientific exhibits, historical objects, and artistic works to illustrate the threatened beauty of marine flora and fauna and to encourage reflection on the complex relationship between humans and the sea. "Expedition Oceans" is a collaboration between the Bundeskunsthalle and the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel.