In a variety of thematically structured sections, the Gasometer Oberhausen presents impressive photographs and film sequences of the world's oceans – including spectacular, previously unpublished large-format images. For example, a harlequin octopus can be observed playfully dancing in the waters around Mayotte, a blue shark meets the viewer at eye level, and a curious sea lion attentively examines a perfectly camouflaged seadragon. Photographer Audun Rikardsen's work "Net Loss" provides a serious contrast: It depicts a torn fishing net, its contents flowing lifelessly into the sea – a striking symbol of the serious consequences of human exploitation of the oceans as a source of energy, transportation, and food.
The "Planet Ocean" exhibition is therefore also dedicated to the protection and scientific exploration of the oceans. The German Oceanographic Museum (Deutsches Meeresmuseum) has been enlisted as a competent partner for this project, whose expertise underpins the exhibition's depth of content. Thanks to the latest technological developments, it is now possible to precisely observe and evaluate changes in the oceans. These findings are illustrated using the "Ocean Twin" – a digital twin of the world's oceans developed by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). This interactive globe serves as a platform for current geoscientific data and makes complex relationships vividly tangible for the public.