The main focus of the DSM's research and exhibition program is on the use of ships in the context of marine economy, maritime research, or of changes in the environment. All the ideas and material belonging to these broad themes can be found in the museum: from models of ships to weapons and marine charts as well as personal testimonies, photos and more. The objects and sources form the beginning point of historical perspectives on the links between maritime history, archeology and related practices, through invention, use, research and reflection on marine technologies.
With its thematic focus including a global historical perspective, the DSM exhibits an emphasis on innovative, national and international scholarship. In addition, as part of its cooperative research and exhibitions the DSM combines its own scholarship with two significant research priorities of the federal state Bremen, the sea and the social sciences. The new exhibition program, to be successively implemented in three steps – beginning in winter of 2016/17 – will convey the latest findings in these fields to the broader public. The location of the DSM between the estuary of the Weser and the oldest port area of the city places its historical perspective directly within and is shaped by the lively maritime culture of Bremerhaven.
Currently, the DSM is embarking on a new course. The museum building designed by Hans Scharoun is in the process of renovation. The first part will show featuring a shipwreck with a fascinating story: the Bremen Cog of 1380. Its discovery in the Weser in 1962 prompted the founding of the Museum and this now represents the focus and starting point of the new design and exhibitions.
