The forgotten expedition: With the 'Meteor' into the depths of the Atlantic!

The forgotten expedition: With the 'Meteor' into the depths of the Atlantic!

An impressive special exhibition is currently causing a stir in the German Maritime Museum (DSM) in Bremerhaven: “Winning Land – The German Atlantic Expedition from 1925 to 1927”. This show highlights the important expedition of the Meteor that took place in the South Atlantic from 1925 to 1927 to explore the sea floor and collect comprehensive data about the Atlantic. butenunbinnen.de reports that the project also served to strengthen Germany's international presence after the First World War. The exhibition runs until May 2026 and covers both scientific and political aspects of the expedition.

The expedition, which began under the leadership of Alfred Merz and was continued by Captain Fritz Spieß after his death in 1926, aimed to investigate the geographical and oceanographic conditions between the equator and Antarctica. Between 20° N and 60° S, not only depth measurements, but also water temperature studies, water samples and marine life studies were carried out. In total, the crew traveled over 67,000 nautical miles (124,000 km) and launched more than 800 weather balloons, an impressive undertaking for the time. Wikipedia adds that the expedition worked with advancements in early sonar technologies that were able to create the first detailed map of the seafloor in the South Atlantic.

Insights into everyday expedition life

The special exhibition not only contains scientific data, but also numerous archive materials, including the estate of Captain Fritz Spieß and thousands of glass plate negatives that record the crew's everyday life under extreme conditions. Interestingly, women were excluded from participation during this expedition: there were only men on board the “Meteor”, while Lotte Müller, an oceanographic pioneer, was significantly involved in the planning but was not allowed to travel. butenunbinnen.de highlights that the crew consisted largely of semi-skilled sailors, many of whom came from West Africa.

The settings are diverse as the exhibition also highlights cultural aspects. The crew celebrated on board with pineapple punch and champagne, while cultural programs, including a band, took place. A digital map allows visitors to trace the route of the Meteor, vividly illustrating the history of the expedition.

Reflection and critical discussion

Particularly noteworthy is the film by the Namibian artist Kavena Hambira, which is shown in the exhibition. This addresses the continued existence of German colonialism during the expedition and provides a critical examination of the past. There is also a varied accompanying program as part of the show: guided tours, a photo marathon and a concert offer visitors additional opportunities to engage with the topic. butenunbinnen.de and Wikipedia find that these interactive elements bring the exhibition to life and open up new perspectives.

The special exhibition in the German Maritime Museum is not only a look at the history of maritime science, it also encourages us to think about the political and social connections of this time. It's definitely worth a visit to get to know both the expedition's achievements and its downsides.