From 1 October 2022 to 11 April 2023

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Bremen Cotton Exchange, the Bremen Übersee-Museum (Overseas Museum Bremen) opened a special exhibition entirely dedicated to cotton on October 1, 2022.

Built in 1896, the Übersee-Museum is one of the most visited museums in the country. A large exhibition area is devoted to the raw material, its history and its influence on the textile industry until April 2023. The exhibition, entitled „100% Cotton,“ is dedicated to the cultural history that this plant has been writing for 5,000 years.

The Bremen Cotton Exchange has supported the curator and his team in the creation of the exhibition with cumulative expertise. Moreover, the Faserinstitut Bremen e. V. (FIBRE) has provided strong support in terms of scientific aspects and research projects.

Nevertheless, the museum has found its own and independent way of presenting the subject of cotton in an interesting, informative, and also critical way in a very special exhibition.

Cotton, as an important fiber of the textile industry, is presented very comprehensively from both a historical and a contemporary perspective. Future production and application possibilities are also addressed. As the experts know, cotton is an all-rounder: from jeans to banknotes, it is impossible to imagine our everyday life without this natural fiber. The raw material is used in clothing, food as well as cosmetics, and makes industrial machinery run. Visitors encounter a special highlight right at the beginning: countless products made of cotton are presented in a ‘Cotton Shop’. It quickly becomes clear that the possible applications go far beyond the classic T-shirt. Cotton is also used in foodstuffs, pills, and dietary supplements.

Until April 11, this special exhibition invites visitors to explore the many aspects of cotton and its history. Take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Find more information on the website of the Overseas Museum Bremen