Renovation and Extension of Meeresmuseum

A harmonious blend of historic and contemporary architecture revitalizes the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund. The renovation and extension of the Meeresmuseum in Stralsund, led by Reichel Schlaier Architekten, transforms the historic St. Catherine’s Monastery into a modern museum space. This project skillfully integrates the Gothic elements of the monastery with contemporary architectural interventions, preserving the unique GDR rod-shaped framework while introducing new copper and glass accents. The museum's design emphasizes accessibility and visitor experience, with a new main entrance in the north courtyard and optimized visitor routing. The exhibition space now includes a large-scale aquarium that immerses visitors in tropical ocean environments, alongside exhibits on evolution, human interaction with the sea, and sustainable fishing. Sustainability is a cornerstone of the project, with reused materials, new wooden structures, and advanced energy-saving technologies. The integration of archaeological finds, such as medieval cellars and the foundation of a predecessor church, adds layers of historical depth to the museum experience.

Design Highlights

Harmonious integration of historic and contemporary architecture Preservation of unique GDR rod-shaped framework New copper and glass architectural accents Enhanced visitor accessibility and routing Large-scale aquarium and thematic exhibits Focus on sustainability with reused materials and energy-efficient technologies

Key Facts