SEALEVEL

About the museum

SEALEVEL opened on January 31, 2025, on Holstenstraße in Kiel as a joint project of the state capital, Kiel-Marketing and several marine research institutions, including the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel University of Applied Sciences and Kiel Marine Science of the university. The exhibits come from the city's marine science institutions and have deliberately been brought together in the middle of the city center.

On roughly 400 square meters, the experience space takes visitors from the surface of the water down to the deep sea. A 17-meter-long underwater cinema, interactive stations and recordings of dolphin songs bring marine research close; a creative wall about sailing invites visitors to get involved. As early as December 2024, Kiel residents together with artists had created a mural that visitors can continue to develop.

According to Kiel-Marketing, more than 40,000 visitors came in 2025. The initial federal funding ended at the end of 2025; private sponsors are securing operations until the end of 2026. After the winter break, the venue reopened on April 1, 2026.

Highlights

• 17-meter-long underwater cinema
• Interactive stations on marine research and marine protection
• Exhibits from Kiel's marine research institutions
• Creative wall about sailing to take part in
• Research rally for children with a deep-sea researcher certificate
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• SEALEVEL – Erlebnisraum Ozean – An interactive journey from the surface of the water to the deep sea, with an underwater cinema, exhibits from Kiel marine research and stations on marine protection.

Founded

2025

Operated by

Kiel-Marketing e.V.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access is partly wheelchair-accessible; for questions, please contact the team in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Research rally at the information counter (certificate as a deep-sea researcher), interactive stations, creative wall and a monthly painting meetup (SEA+PAINTING). Children's birthday parties for ages 4 to 12 on Tuesdays ("Happy Sea Day").

Getting there & parking

The experience space is in Kiel's pedestrian zone on Holstenstraße, opposite the Nordlicht shopping center.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Private and thematically suitable events are possible outside opening hours; inquiries to sealevel@kiel-marketing.de.

Plan your visit