Übersee Museum Bremen
Bremen
Located in Bremen, Germany, the Übersee Museum Bremen is a distinguished institution combining natural history, ethnographic, and trade collections under one roof. Established in 1896, it presents integrated exhibitions that explore nature, culture, and commerce from overseas regions, including Asia, the South Pacific/Oceania, the Americas, and Africa. The museum building is a protected historic monument, reflecting its architectural and cultural significance. Its extensive collections include natural specimens and ethnographic artifacts, with a notable Cameroon collection among them. The museum actively engages visitors through permanent and special exhibitions, such as the recent award-winning "Der blaue Kontinent – Inseln im Pazifik" showcasing Pacific Islands. It also critically reflects on its colonial past, as seen in exhibitions like "Spurensuche – Geschichte eines Museums," which examines the provenance of objects from former colonies. The Übersee Museum Bremen serves as a center for education, research, and cultural dialogue, linking global histories and environments within a single venue. Its diverse exhibitions and events invite exploration of global interconnections and cultural heritage.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official website for current exhibitions and special events before visiting. Purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended, especially for popular guided tours and special exhibitions, to avoid queues. The museum offers reduced admission rates for certain groups. The best time to visit is during weekdays to enjoy a quieter experience. Participating in curator-led tours can enrich understanding of the exhibits. The museum is conveniently located near Bremen's main train station, facilitating easy access.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum houses one of the most comprehensive Cameroon collections, originally numbering over 22,700 items, with around 2,250 preserved as of 2023.
- •The building has been protected as a historic monument since 1993.
- •The museum's recent permanent exhibition "Der blaue Kontinent – Inseln im Pazifik" won the German Design Award 2026 for Excellent Architecture.
- •The museum critically examines its colonial past in the exhibition "Spurensuche – Geschichte eines Museums," focusing on the provenance of objects from former colonies.
- •The Übermaxx, opened in 1999, is a special storage and exhibition facility housing about 30,000 objects across five floors.
Histoire
The Übersee Museum Bremen originated from collections acquired by the city in 1875 from the Bremen Natural History Society and an Anthropological Commission founded in 1872.
Initially displayed during the 1890 Northwest German Trade and Industry Exhibition, the success of these collections inspired the construction of a dedicated museum building, which opened in 1896 as the "Städtisches Museum für Natur-, Völker- und Handelskunde." The building was expanded between 1908 and 1911.
During the Nazi era, the museum was renamed and refocused to emphasize colonial and racial themes.
World War II air raids caused significant damage to the building and collections.
Post-war reconstruction began in 1946, with reopening in 1949 and a shift toward educational and global perspectives.
The museum was renamed to its current title in 1951.
In 1999, it became a public law foundation and opened the Übermaxx facility to house and display extensive collections.
Recent years have seen exhibitions addressing the museum's colonial history and new award-winning displays.
Guide du lieu
Permanent Exhibition Areas
Explore integrated exhibitions presenting nature, culture, and trade from Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and Africa. These galleries showcase ethnographic artifacts, natural specimens, and cultural histories, providing a comprehensive view of overseas regions.
"Der blaue Kontinent – Inseln im Pazifik" Exhibition2023
An award-winning permanent exhibition dedicated to the islands of the Pacific Ocean, highlighting their cultures, environments, and histories. This exhibition received the German Design Award 2026 for Excellent Architecture.
Übermaxx Collection Storage and Exhibition1999
A five-story facility opened in 1999 to house approximately 30,000 collection objects from natural history, ethnography, and trade. Designed to make the extensive collections accessible to the public and researchers.
Contact
Téléphone: 0421 160380
