Forest Worlds

Forest in transition

‘Forest Worlds’ provides an in-depth look at the forests of our planet – emotional, surprising, aptivating, informative and always scientifically sound. In various exhibition sections, the Gasometer showcases forest areas from Brazil to the Congo to Europe, focusing on the unique diversity of flora and fauna, but also on the indigenous peoples whose habitat in the forest is shrinking. Of course, the exhibition also documents the dramatic consequences of the destruction of this vital ecosystem through slash-and-burn farming and agriculture, for example with science-based communication from Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute).

‘With our new exhibition, we want to raise awareness of the state of our home planet, make complex issues tangible and stimulate social debate,’ says Jeanette Schmitz, curator of ‘Forest Worlds’ and managing director of Gasometer Oberhausen GmbH.

Deep into the Forest

Using award-winning images, film sequences and original exhibits, ‘Forest Worlds’ offers not only an educational approach but also several spectacular highlights, such as the sound and light installation ‘Global Sunrise’ by Oceans21, which was developed especially for the Gasometer. This sensory journey through the forests of five continents as they awaken in the morning has been staged by world-renowned nature sound recording specialist Chris Watson in collaboration with sound artist Tony Myatt and visual artists Theresa Baumgartner, Verena Bachl and Karsten Schuhl.

The Tree

As a pioneer in media art, Ars Electronica Solutions from Austria is once again responsible for the dramatic highlight of the new exhibition. With ‘The Tree’, visitors on the upper floor are offered a unique view from the visually designed root system into the abstract tree crown rising around 35 meters into the sky of the Gasometer. An art installation that has never been realized before.

Implementation and concept

This exhibition was also curated by Jeanette Schmitz in collaboration with Thomas Wolf and Nils Sparwasser.

‘Forest Worlds’ is being realized by Gasometer Oberhausen GmbH in collaboration with Museum Koenig, Bonn and the LWL Museum of Natural History, with the kind support of the German Postcode Lottery. Other partners supporting the exhibition include the Regionalverband Ruhr, the International Garden Exhibition 2027, Esri, Energieversorgung Oberhausen (EVO) and NABU. Media partners are WDR 5 and GEO.

Partners of the exhibition

Mediapartner

Duration of ‘Forest World’ from 20th of March to 30th of December 2026

Tickets to ‘Forest World’