Amazing animal exhibitions: New exhibitions starting in Bremen’s museums this autumn
Dachshunds at the Kunsthalle and cats at the Übersee Museum: The cultural hotspots of Bremen are kicking off two amazing animal exhibitions in autumn 2026. The museums of the north German Hanseatic city are once again showcasing their versatility, with some colourful works by husband and wife Danish artists also on display at the Weserburg. For international visitors, it is the perfect opportunity to combine an autumn city break with a range of extraordinary art experiences.
From pet moggies to internet sensations: “Cult Cats!” at the Übersee-Museum
It all starts with the special ‘Cult Cats!’ exhibition at the Übersee-Museum, which opens on 10 October. Over the millennia, there is scarcely an animal that has been so differently perceived as the cat, it has been venerated and feared, it has been a lucky charm, a domestic pet, a status symbol and a pop icon. The exhibition traces the relationship between humans and animals through different eras and cultures, spanning the whole arc from majestic big cats to pampered modern-day house cats.
Exhibits include mummified cats from Ancient Egypt, artefacts from West Africa and Japan and snippets of contemporary internet culture. The exhibition is accompanied by various events, including guided tours, creative sessions, quizzes and cat yoga, where you can learn all about the silken movements of our velvet-pawed friends. The museum sits in a central position next to the main railway station, making it an easy option for a spontaneous expedition. ‘Cult Cats!’ runs until the end of May 2027.
The dachshund makes art history
The animal fun at Bremen’s museums continues a few weeks later. For the first time ever, the Kunsthalle is dedicating an extensive exhibition to a beloved four-legged friend. The event, which will run between 31 October 2026 and 28 March 2027, is called ‘Der Dackel. Eine Ikone geht Gassi’, literally ‘The Dachshund. An icon goes walkies’. The show traces the history of the short-legged hunting dog from a traditional companion to an internationally recognised cult figure and shows just how often it has provided inspiration to artists through the generations.
Works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Otto Dix and other international artists showcase the dachshund in the form of paintings, photography, art installations and popular culture. The exhibition protagonists are viewed with humour, but also with cultural history in mind. On selected days, dachshunds and other small dogs are permitted to bring their owners to the exhibition.
Together, not alone: ‘Better Together!’ at the Weserburg
The Weserburg Museum of modern art will be taking a different slant between 14 November 2026 and spring 2027. The exhibition ‘Better Together! Aase & Poul Gernes’ is all about Danish husband and wife artists Aase Seidler Gernes and Poul Gernes. While Poul Gernes has long enjoyed cult status in Denmark, the exhibition is the first to focus on the couple’s joint artistic endeavours.
It features both individual works and joint projects. The couple’s works are characterised by rich colours, clear geometric shapes and a concept of art which aims to appeal to as many people as possible. At the same time, the exhibition sheds new light on how art is produced and the question as to how creative processes can be shaped by cooperation.
The path into the museum is in itself part of the experience. The Weserburg can be found on Teerhof, an island between two branches of the river Weser. The building in a converted warehouse is testimony to the area’s earlier existence as a trade and warehousing hub and provides a very special backdrop to the works of modern and contemporary art.
Three museums, one autumn cultural break
The three exhibitions are the perfect focus for a short break in Bremen. The Kunsthalle, the Übersee Museum and the Weserburg are all centrally located and can easily be combined with the historic old town, Böttcherstraße, the Schnoorviertel district and a stroll along the Weser. A visit to the museums can become a starting point for a varied autumn or winter trip to Bremen, combining art, culture and two great animal protagonists.
Marco Skora
+49 421 3080024
Bremen is a Hanseatic City on the Weser in the North of Germany. The city has its own airport and great connections to the railway network. From London Stansted (STN), Bremen (BRE) can be reached by Ryanair in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.