Commemorative Event: Complimentary Admission to the Bremer Oversea Museum
Art and History Unveiled: A Journey Through Time at the Übersee-Museum Bremen
On September 8th, the Übersee-Museum Bremen will open its doors to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and intricate artistry of its sandstone reliefs. From 10 am to 5 pm, visitors can roam the museum's halls, and at 11 am, an outdoor tour, "Scenes from Overseas: Sandstone Reliefs on the Exterior of the Museum," will begin.
The sandstone reliefs, a testament to the museum's construction around 1900, are an artistic and historical marvel. They depict a variety of motifs, including animals like llamas, lions, and bears, as well as portraits of significant explorers and researchers, such as Alexander von Humboldt, Charles Darwin, and Christopher Columbus.
These reliefs serve as a fascinating window into the past, reflecting a complex interplay of museum mission, regional pride, and Germany’s colonial history. During the outdoor tour, visitors will journey back in time, examining the sandstone reliefs integrated into the facade of the listed museum building.
The reliefs celebrate exploration and scientific discovery, a highly valued cultural pursuit in Germany at the time, and reflect pride in Germany’s expanding knowledge of the world and its place within global exploration narratives. However, they also embody a historical narrative of German exploration and colonial ambition, with imperial and colonial imagery that legitimized and glorified German colonial expansion.
Indigenous peoples and animals from colonies were often depicted through a European colonial lens, emphasizing exoticism and the supposed superiority of European civilization. Today, these reliefs are viewed critically for their direct association with colonial propaganda.
Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars for the outdoor tour to aid in observing the details of the sandstone reliefs. The tour will illustrate the connection between German colonialism and the sometimes stereotypical and racist representations on the reliefs, providing a critical historical perspective on the museum's colonial past.
In a significant move, the museum has undertaken efforts to contextualize and critically engage with its colonial past, including how such imagery contributed to public conceptualizations of empire and race. The outdoor tour offers an opportunity to delve into these complex issues and gain a deeper understanding of the museum's historical significance.
And the best part? Both the museum and the outdoor tour are free on the opening day, making it an accessible and enlightening experience for all. Don't miss this chance to step back in time and explore the fascinating history and artistry of the Übersee-Museum Bremen.
After immersing yourself in the art and history within the museum, you might consider shifting your focus to outdoor living for the tour, taking a glance at the intricate sandstone reliefs that adorn the museum's facade. These beauties, depicting a mix of indigenous fauna, significant explorers, and German colonial history, provide a unique perspective on the museum's history and the influences of the time, including both the celebration of exploration and critical examination of colonialism.
