For twenty-five years now, museum visitors have been able to enjoy all kinds of maritime exhibits at the DSM, Germany's national institute for research in shipping, located in the historical port of Bremerhaven just behind the dyke.
The German Maritime Museum (DSM) in Bremerhaven is the Federal Republic of Germany's national museum of shipping. It is not only a historical research institute, but also home to the Bremen Hansekogge.
It was founded in 1971 as a foundation under public law and opened on September 5, 1975 by the German President of the time, Walter Scheel. The mission of the foundation was to establish and operate a central research and exhibition organisation to cover all aspects of German shipping history as a replacement for the Berlin Marine Museum, which had been destroyed during World War II. The most prominent exhibit on display is the Hanse Kogge of 1380, which was discovered in 1962 and is now housed in a dedicated section of the museum, where it has been rebuilt and conserved.
Besides the library and repository, the museum also maintains a comprehensive archive which includes technical drawings, sea charts, photographs, film material, artwork and posters as well as documents and records of all kinds. The high level of scientific research performed there meant that the DSM soon enjoyed an excellent reputation worldwide. As early as January 01, 1980, the museum was included as the sixth institute on the "Blue List" of research centres financed by both national and federal state authorities. The DSM is thus the newest and most northerly located research museum to benefit from this joint funding.
The main building is home to the permanent and special exhibitions and also includes rooms for functions as well as offices for scientific and administrative staff, technical workshops, labs, archives and the library. It was designed in 1969 by the internationally renowned architect Hans Scharoun (1893 – 1972).
One important reason for the museum's popularity with tourists is its proximity to the River Weser and the town's shipping and port areas. In Bremerhaven, shipping can be observed and experienced in an environment which offers a unique combination of elements of the past and the present.
Related subjects:
Barcelona: Maritime Museum
Dunkerque: Visit to the Musée Portuaire
Gdansk: The Polish Maritime Museum
- The Research Concept of the DSM
- The buildings
- The Permanent Exhibition of the DSM
- The Open-Air Museum and the Museum Port
- Exclusive Exhibits
Picture: Egbert Laska
Picture: Egbert Laska