Following in the footsteps of science – exploring the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic: with an exhibition by dan pearlman Group for “ClimateXtremes” and “Galileo” at its second location in Oberhausen.
The POLAR EXPERIENCE Oberhausen opened its second location at OBEX Oberhausen on May 19, 2026.
Developed in collaboration with scientific institutions, the exhibition conveys well-founded knowledge about the breathtakingly beautiful world of ice and snow and immerses visitors in the fascinating habitats surrounding the North and South Poles. Through its scientific content, emotional storytelling, and immersive staging, POLAR EXPERIENCE uniquely communicates the importance of the polar regions while directly encouraging reflection on climate and environmental protection. Across seven different areas, the virtual expedition to the Arctic and Antarctic demonstrates how powerfully science, storytelling, and immersive experiences can work together in support of climate and environmental awareness.
Virtual Journey Through the Exhibition
After passing through the lobby, visitors begin the exhibition with a virtual boarding experience aboard the research vessel “Polarstern,” which in Oberhausen has been expanded with an additional room featuring expedition equipment. Here, participants are prepared for their adventure in the eternal ice. From there, the journey continues into The Fascination of Ice — a passage showcasing extraordinary footage of ice in all its forms. The temperature in this section is actively cooled, allowing visitors to experience the journey to the polar caps with all their senses.
Visitors then enter two rooms dedicated to the habitats of animals and humans living in the polar regions. In the Animal Habitat area, the focus is placed on iconic polar species such as polar bears, seals, sea eagles, and penguins. In the Human Habitat section, the documentary The Last Ice by Alessandro Rovere is presented as a representative portrayal of Arctic communities, delivering powerful messages directed at people around the world.
The exhibition’s largest experiential area follows in the form of an immersive video-mapping room. Here, the Arctic and Antarctic, the beauty of nature, and the wildlife inhabiting these regions are brought vividly to life through 360° projections on walls up to six meters high, accompanied by specially designed soundscapes.
The journey through the coldest regions of our planet concludes in the Act Now room. Here, visitors can leave personal messages, sign petitions, and learn how they can actively contribute to climate protection together with partner organizations. At the end of the exhibition, visitors pass through the shop featuring carefully curated products.
Oberhausen as the Second Location
“With 120,000 visitors in Berlin, POLAR EXPERIENCE is already a success story. The strong response, the many positive reactions, and the dedicated feedback on the exhibition demonstrate the tremendous interest in combining science and climate topics within an immersive exhibition format. People care deeply about climate issues — they want to learn and engage. It has always been important to us to make this significant topic accessible to a broad audience. POLAR EXPERIENCE sees itself as a participatory exhibition. Numerous hands-on stations invite visitors to become active themselves and to develop ideas for a shared, sustainable future. We are now looking forward to the second stop of the immersive exhibition in Oberhausen and to welcoming even more enthusiastic guests.”
— Nicole Srock.Stanley, Founder of ClimateXtremes, Initiator & Creative Director POLAR EXPERIENCE
Collaboration with Galileo and Galileo Kids
“Galileo” and “Galileo Kids” have been important partners since the launch of POLAR EXPERIENCE in Berlin. In Oberhausen, the science magazine once again presents the exhibition format and digitally extends its content for especially curious young and adult visitors.
“There is no better way to experience the Arctic and Antarctic, with their landscapes, people, and animals, than through POLAR EXPERIENCE. It almost feels as though you are truly there yourself — the exhibition immerses you so deeply into the icy world that you become part of the story. This exhibition combines everything Galileo stands for: seeing, marveling, understanding — in 360 degrees.”
— Frederik Fichtner, Editor-in-Chief Galileo
OBEX as a Central Exhibition Venue
“We are very happy to present POLAR EXPERIENCE at OBEX. The exhibition stands out through its scientific authenticity, moving stories, immersive character, and its ability to inform and inspire without raising a moralizing finger. It impressively demonstrates that immersive exhibition formats are not primarily about entertainment or postcard imagery, but are perfectly suited to communicate knowledge, inspire visitors, encourage reflection, and promote personal engagement.”
— Folkert Koopmans, Managing Director FKP Scorpio Entertainment GmbH and promoter in Oberhausen
Reliable Partners for Oberhausen
POLAR EXPERIENCE is the first exhibition by Climate Education GmbH, whose commitment to climate and environmental protection is described as “a love letter to our planet.” The immersive research journey is presented by the ProSieben science magazines “Galileo” and “Galileo Kids” and digitally extended through the JOYN app. The wholly owned ProSieben subsidiary Seven.One Starwatch acts as the national media partner, helping communicate the exhibition to a broad audience.
Special thanks for their contribution to the exhibition content go to Prof. Dr. Markus Rex and the Alfred Wegener Institute, shaman Yaari Walker and the Yupik people, WWF Germany, GLS Bank, dan pearlman Group, The Storytelling Company, Alessandro Rovere, Beate Kelm, Moritz Licht, Benedikt Horst Pawils, Lilli Stanley, Ali Schwarz, Til Schwabenbauer, and the orchestra of the Shostakovich Music School.
FACTS AT A GLANCE:
Client: Climate Xtremes Deutschland GmbH / Climate Education GmbH
Project: Polar Experience Oberhausen
Planning & Construction: 2025
Exhibition Size: 1,100 sqm
Services:
Concept, design, architecture, general planning, exhibit design, communication & marketing, retail
Development and implementation of an audio and sound concept including audio guides
Concept and realization of a 360° projection (22 x 14 x 5 m) with floor projection, equipped with 20 projectors and a Dolby Surround sound system
Photos: © Christoph Buckstegen
