‘One Ocean, Our Future’ | Australian National Maritime Museum's New Immersive Exhibition

Image: Australian National Maritime Museum

Immerse Yourself In The Wonders Of The Ocean!

What lurks beneath the surface of the vast, open ocean? The answer is — we don’t really know! It’s estimated that more than 80% of the Earth’s oceans are unmapped, unobserved and unexplored. Despite this, we know that ocean health is critical to all life on Earth, including our biodiversity, weather, atmosphere, food supply, culture, society, and way of life.

The Australian National Maritime Museum’s new immersive exhibition — ‘One Ocean, Our Future’ — conveys the wonders and value of our ocean, as well as the current impacts of unsustainable practices.

The Australian National Maritime Museum’s goal is to inform and educate through objects and stories, and what needs to happen to ensure a healthy ocean for future generations.

Image: Australian National Maritime Museum

‘One Ocean, Our Future’ Exhibition Features | Wonders & Evidence

This exhibition isn’t just about the beauty or mysteries of the ocean. “This exhibition showcases what is happening in the world’s ocean right now,” says Emily Jateff, and that’s why it’s split into four different parts.

‘WONDERS’ attempts to capture the rich beauty and diversity of Australia’s marine life to remind visitors of what there is to lose if we fail to protect our oceans. This section features video footage of the deep sea. Visitors are also invited to interact with unusual marine species in a 3D aquarium.

‘EVIDENCE’ presents graphic images, data and stories to communicate how climate change is impacting oceanic weather, marine habitats and sea ice, and how microplastics are polluting our oceans.

Image: Australian National Maritime Museum

‘One Ocean, Our Future’ Exhibition Features | Witnesses & Science

The next exhibition feature, ‘WITNESSES’ allows visitors to see how climate change affects individuals, cultures and societies. Visitors are able to listen to pre-recorded stories from people all over the world. It also features stunning works of art from First Nations people and commentary about how climate change is affecting their culture and way of life.

‘SCIENCE’ takes visitors through the history of ocean exploration and two centuries worth of measuring, exploring, analysing, sampling and ocean mapping. This section features stories and museum artefacts that showcase the role of oceanography in understanding how our oceans have changed in recent history. These historic artefacts are accompanied by cinematic visions of vessels from Australia, Japan and Denmark — so, you’ll feel like you’re truly aboard!

Image: Tim Mossholder / Australian National Maritime Museum

The UN Decade Of Ocean Science For Sustainable Development

‘One Ocean, Our Future’ sheds light on what life will be like for children living in the future, featuring two main scenarios: one is a future where oceanic damage goes unchecked, and one is a future where we respond to the challenges of today to change things for the better. 

These scenarios help to promote the United Nations Ocean Decade — “we are proud to launch our involvement with the United Nations Decade for Ocean Science for Sustainable Development with this exhibition,” says Emily Jateff. 

“Over the coming years the museum will continue to amplify national and global projects, innovations and people working to bring us closer to a more sustainable ocean future,” says Emily.