In the footsteps of science – a journey through the polar worlds of the Arctic and Antarctic: an immersive exhibition by dan pearlman for ClimateXtremes and Galileo
POLAR EXPERIENCE celebrated its world premiere in Berlin on December 6, 2025.
The immersive exhibition takes visitors on an expedition to the most extreme and coldest places on our planet—side by side with some of the world’s leading scientists. The virtual journey to the Arctic and Antarctic is accompanied by renowned polar researcher Prof. Dr. Markus Rex from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, and presented by ClimateXtremes and Galileo. The exhibition invites audiences to experience first-hand how international research teams mastered the largest polar expeditions in history to unlock the secrets of the Arctic and Antarctic. Cutting-edge technology, immersive visual and soundscapes, and interactive exhibits bring the magical icy landscapes and their unique wildlife vividly to life.
Entertainment Meets Science
“With POLAR EXPERIENCE, we aim to reach people of all ages—from 5 to 95—and spark enthusiasm for science, nature, and our planet,” says Nicole Srock.Stanley, inventor of the exhibition concept and founder of Climate Education and ClimateXtremes GmbH. POLAR EXPERIENCE is designed as a hands-on exhibition, encouraging visitors to actively participate. Numerous interactive stations invite audiences to engage directly and develop ideas for a shared, sustainable future. The exhibition format is made possible through high-profile partnerships with institutions, companies, and NGOs. POLAR EXPERIENCE is produced by Seven.One Starwatch and presented by the ProSieben science brands “Galileo”and “Galileo Kids.” Seven.One Starwatch, a subsidiary of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, supports the exhibition with a high-reach, multi-channel communication campaign. COFO Entertainment serves as the local organizer in Berlin, while radioeins (rbb) is the broadcast media partner. Numerous NGOs, including IZW Berlin and WWF Germany, contribute content and expertise.
A Science-Based Exhibition Format
POLAR EXPERIENCE is developed in close collaboration with scientific institutions and internationally recognized polar researchers. In particular, insights and experiences from research expeditions of the Alfred Wegener Institute, the globally respected center for polar and marine research, under the leadership of polar researcher and expedition leader Prof. Dr. Markus Rex, form a central foundation of the exhibition. The exhibition also references the MOSAiC Expedition, the largest Arctic expedition in history, during which international research teams allowed themselves to freeze into the drifting sea ice aboard the research vessel Polarstern. Through close cooperation with the Alfred Wegener Institute and additional scientific partners, these findings are now being made accessible to a broad public for the very first time in an immersive exhibition format. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and spectacular staging, visitors can experience the mysterious polar regions, their majestic ice landscapes, and their unique wildlife up close. The Arctic and Antarctic come vividly to life. Virtual experiences, immersive visual worlds, and powerful soundscapes transport visitors to the North Pole, into the heart of the Polarstern expedition, and to the Neumayer Research Station near the South Pole.
Immersion and Exhibition Journey
The POLAR EXPERIENCE begins with a virtual boarding of the research vessel Polarstern. In the boarding room, expedition participants are prepared for their adventure in the eternal ice by Prof. Dr. Markus Rex, polar researcher and expedition leader. From there, the journey continues through the exhibition area “Fascination Ice” into the largest experience space, featuring an interactive 360° projection that showcases the Arctic and Antarctic, the beauty of nature, and the world of polar wildlife in an emotionally powerful way. Visitors then enter two additional rooms dedicated to the habitats of animals and humans in the polar regions. In the Animal Habitat space, iconic species such as the polar bear, seal, sea eagle, and penguin take center stage. Representing human life in the Arctic, the Human Habitat space presents a documentary about the Yupik people, featuring powerful messages addressed to the rest of the world in a film by Alessandro Rovere. The exhibition culminates in the Act Now Room, a festival-like interactive experience highlighting opportunities for climate and environmental engagement. Numerous companies, start-ups, and NGOs are showcased here, demonstrating exemplary action in climate and environmental protection. Visitors are encouraged to participate through playful interaction—ranging from small everyday actions to large-scale initiatives. Designed for audiences aged 5 to 95, all activities are easy to engage with, impactful, and relevant to the future of our planet. The immersive journey begins and ends in the Welcome Lobby, featuring ticketing, a service counter, and a carefully curated selection of products.
A New Edutainment Approach
POLAR EXPERIENCE combines scientific accuracy with modern storytelling, creating a virtual journey that fascinates and moves audiences alike. This immersive adventure makes the spirit of research tangible, allowing visitors to step into the footsteps of polar scientists. Breathtaking icy landscapes, gripping expedition experiences, and solid scientific facts come together to form a holistic experience—entertaining, inspiring, and suitable for all ages. Every participant becomes an ambassador for the protection of our planet. By doing so, this exhibition transcends the boundaries of traditional museums and exhibitions. Through the virtual expedition to Earth’s polar regions, visitors come closer to the most remote places on our planet than ever before.
Cooperation with Galileo and Galileo Kids
The edutainment character of the exhibition is further enhanced through the integration of “Galileo” and “Galileo Kids.”Young explorers are playfully guided through the expedition by “Cosmo,” the alien character known from Galileo Kids. Experienced science enthusiasts, meanwhile, can dive deep into complex scientific topics via the Galileo knowledge stations.
FACTS AT A GLANCE:
Client: Climate Xtremes Deutschland GmbH / Climate Education GmbH
Project: Polar Experience
Planning & Construction: 2024 – 2025
Exhibition Size: 1.100 sqm
Services:
Concept, Design, Architecture, General planning, Communication & Marketing, Retail, Audio & Sound Concept, Concept for 360° Projection (22 x 14 x 5m)
Photos: © Clara Marnette & Alessandro Rovere
