MEERESMUSEUM Stralsund

New exhibitions and modern communication

The oldest location of the German MeeresmuseumIt is located in the former Dominican monastery of St. Katharinen. In the newly opened exhibition area, numerous exhibits and modern stations present the development of life from the sea and its diversity, illuminate the interactions between humans and the sea, and show strategies for sustainable fishing. New airy display cases stretch like gentle waves over two floors. On the upper floor, faithfully recreated habitats with prepared and modeled animals trace the path from the Antarctic to the Arctic. A biodiversity wall measuring a good 15 meters long pays tribute to the often underestimated diversity of marine invertebrates such as octopuses, jellyfish, and crabs. Particularly popular objects, such as the leatherback turtle "Marlene," the five-meter-high original coral reef pillar from the Red Sea, and the famous fin whale skeleton in the choir, can be seen again after the modernization. The globe from the former entrance area is now used for a digital display of oceanographic topics.

Experience tropical underwater worlds

In addition, the 31 aquariums showcase the colorful world of tropical seas. A special highlight is the new, largest tank, featuring a "Caribbean Reef" in a newly constructed extension. With 800 liters of water and an eight-meter-high, 000-centimeter-thick pane, it allows visitors to experience the reef across three gallery levels – like diving from the water's surface to the bottom. The journey through the colorful depths of the tropics continues in the historic basement vaults of the monastery complex: from the coast of California, via Hawaii and Fiji, to Australia, the Indo-Pacific, and the Maldives, as well as the Arabian and Red Seas. A reunion with the beloved sea turtles awaits museum guests at the end of their journey through the tropical seas, set against the backdrop of the Maldives.

information on accessibility

All test-relevant areas meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility tested – accessible for people with disabilities and wheelchair users, and partially accessible for people with visual impairments and blind people." Further details can be found at Travel for All.

• There is a parking space available for people with disabilities.
• All rooms and facilities available to guests are accessible without steps/at ground level or via a ramp. 
• All doors/passageways usable by the guest and raised are at least 90 cm wide.
• Exhibits and information can mostly be viewed while seated.
• The ticket counter is 90 cm high.
• Seating is available.
• There are public restrooms for people with disabilities, accessible from at least one side (minimum 80 cm). Folding grab bars are provided to the left and right of the toilet.
• Assistance dogs are welcome.
• The signage (for orientation) is designed in easily readable and high-contrast lettering.
• All raised areas usable by the guest are brightly and glare-free illuminated.
• The entrance area is designed with high visual contrast.
• An outgoing emergency call in the elevator is confirmed audibly, and the stopping position is announced verbally inside the elevator.
• Staircases have visually contrasting edges, at least on the first and last steps.
• Staircases must have at least one handrail on one side.
• The exhibits are well lit.
• Information about the exhibits is presented in a visually high-contrast format.
• Information about the exhibits is conveyed acoustically and tactilely (Braille, prism writing).
• Digital, interactive media stations.