HKH Prince Joachim opens the new Wadden Sea Centre

After extensive renovation and extension, the Wadden Sea Centre in Ribe will open on 2 February 2017. The centre has acquired a unique new sculptural appearance in keeping with the special nature of the area and an exhibition of a special class.

Guests can look forward to experiencing and learning more about the unique nature and history of the Wadden Sea when the new Wadden Sea Centre, after a major expansion, is ready to open on February 2, 2017. His Royal Highness Prince Joachim has agreed to conduct the official opening.

The Wadden Sea, along with the Dutch and German Wadden Seas, was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2014 and is among the 200 natural sites worldwide designated.

An exhibition where heaven and earth meet

The exhibition 'The Wadden Sea of Migratory Birds' conveys the nature and landscape of the Wadden Sea through migratory birds. The idea is to bring visitors into the world of the Wadden Sea and highlight the unique area as one of the world's most important natural areas. In a very beautiful exhibition, the migratory birds are followed, which are the focal point of the exhibition. The exhibition has found its expression between communication and the aesthetic and is particularly unique in its field.

The exhibition was created by exhibition architect Johan Carlsson from JAC Studios in collaboration with No Parking, Jason Bruges, London and the Wadden Sea Centre. Skilled craftsmen and the use of modern technology have created an exhibition where you can both experience being in the middle of the flock of birds on the move and at the same time get very physically close to the birds and the animals they feed on.

“The Wadden Sea Centre is not only the gateway to UNESCO's World Heritage Site, it is also the Wadden Sea's welcome gateway to both national and international audiences. Precisely the numerous migratory birds - 15 million annually - are the main reason for the classification. When guests in the departure room experience the giant swarms of the Wadden Sea in the installation 'Digital Ornithology', they will be left with an unforgettable experience,” says Klaus Melbye, Head of the Wadden Sea Centre for 25 years.

Ultra-modern edifice

The architectural appearance of the Wadden Sea Centre emphasises its connection to nature, and architecture is intended as an experience in itself. Architect Dorte Mandrup has found inspiration in the local building culture and history of the area. From there, she has created an ultra-modern building that, in keeping with nature and the landscape, grows almost out of the ground. For the first time, a modern building has been erected with straw on both facade and roof, and the building, which creates shelter in the open landscape, draws a soft, long profile against the vast horizon.

The entire building and the newly established outdoor areas with tundra farm and activity areas to the south and west have been designed with a view to accessibility and for the Wadden Sea Centre to appear as a whole, but also to be in tune with its surroundings. The outdoor areas are in themselves an experience area, created by landscape architect Marianne Levinsen.

The process of creating the new Wadden Sea Centre started way back in 2007. This has been done in cooperation between Esbjerg Municipality, the Board of Directors and a number of non-profit foundations and associations.

History of the Wadden Sea Centre

- The first centre was built in 1996 and the institution established in 1992.- The Wadden Sea Centre is a self-owned institution under the Foundation for the Wadden Sea Center.- Esbjerg Municipality owns the centre and is the operating guarantor.- Up to the expansion, the centre has had approximately 30,000 users annually, and in the future the expectation is for a visitor number of 45,000.- The area of the building was 1,393 sqm and, after the expansion, is 2,781 sqm .- The center has 4 nature supervisors employed. And usually conducts approximately 500 events annually.