Exhibition and Aquarium

Bluehouse Helgoland

Experience marine research

Helgoland rises impressively from the North Sea as a red rock massif. However, its uniqueness is not only defined by what is visible above the sea surface. Underwater, a rock base extends across 36 square kilometres: the Helgoland rock tidal flat – a paradise nourishing an enormous variety of aquatic life. After winning the EU-wide competition, we are now bringing the rock tidal flat to the Bluehouse Helgoland and presenting this special habitat from the perspective of – and with the enthusiasm of – marine researchers.

The North Sea: (Climate) change in progress

Every day, the marine researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) pull on their rubber boots. Their research field, the North Sea, is located directly outside their offices. The AWI is thus furthering approximately two hundred years of research carried out on the island. However, the focus of its work has shifted: The North Sea is particularly affected by climate change. It is already getting too warm for cod – this species is moving further towards Northern waters. Plastic and other contaminants are also creating problems for the organisms in the sea. The entire ecosystem is reacting to the man-made changes. The exhibition aims to shed light on these developments.

Amid the rocky tidal flats

The Bluehouse Helgoland showcases the Helgoland rock base across two interconnected floors: In the basement, it presents the fascinating underwater world of this nature reserve in a large aquarium which otherwise remains hidden to visitors of the island. The upper level focuses on the tidal zone of the mudflats. As if they were standing in the tidal flats themselves, the visitors experience high and low tides in impressive panoramic projections – at times above water, at times underwater.

What do guillemots eat? The interactive explorers answer questions here.

Research in the tidal flats

There is more to the project than pure observation. At the ‘Explorers’ station, visitors can get to the core of the food chain. It is no coincidence that the famous lumpheads and gannets nest on the steep cliffs: The sea provides them with ample sustenance here. But what happens if the cod disappears as a predator, plankton is not available at the right time to feed fish larvae, or lime shells grow scarce due to the acidification of the oceans? Scientists explain the interconnections.

If you walk your hand through the water, the plankton Noctiluca scintillans glows on this water media table. The illuminated plankton already fascinated early researchers on the island.
The samples of the long-term series Helgoland Reede since 1962 show that the North Sea warms up faster than other seas. This has consequences for the entire ecosystem.
How can we stop climate change? Many ideas and solutions already exist. The wave of these visions makes the globe float.
Transparent screens expand the large aquarium medially and provide information on the living creatures. A time travel through the North Sea is also possible.
In a wave of data pixels, the visitors dive out of the tidal flat into the future.
Countless measurement data from research produce an image like pixels. They also allow us to recognize - and shape - the future.

Services

Conception and scenography

  • Concept positioning and thematic definition
  • Development of dramaturgy and main idea
  • Content development and exhibition conception
  • Media conception and storyboarding
  • Development of interactive exhibits

Design and planning

  • Exhibition design and planning in all project phases
  • Development of a Corporate Identity
  • Graphics and guidance systems
  • Exhibits and furniture

Project management and implementation

  • Project management
  • Production supervision and cost management

Project Information

Client: Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung

Execution period: since 08/2018

Exhibition area: 690 sqm

Contact person

Jan Löken

Executive Management