Foyer exhibition on whaling

Did you know that the harpoon gun heralded the beginning of modern whaling, its industrialization and thus the over-exploitation of whale stocks?

Currently, we are presenting highlights in our entrance area on the exhibition section of the currently redesigned Bangert building, which will focus on whaling. These photographs show how the harpooner aims at the blow of the exhaling whale, shoots at the whale and brings it back to the whaler.
Modern whale processing began with the development of the harpoon gun in the 1870s. Together with steam-powered whaling boats, it made it possible to catch an unprecedented number of whales. A catch book and the logbook of the Rau IX can be seen.