Overview of topics

Natural forces such as the tides and the ever recurring storm tides have shaped the history and appearance of the North Sea coast. The exhibition starts out with the legendary Rungholdt settlement, which perished in a devastating storm tide in 1362. The range of topics covers the historic storm tides and forces of nature, dyke construction, land reclamation and costal protection. Domestic culture and life on the mainland, as well as on the North Friesian halligs and islands is illustrated. Animal life in the Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein has not been forgotten either.

The life story of Ludwig Nissen, the founder of the museum who emigrated to America, is also depicted. His extensive art collection includes works by Rosa Bonheur, Joseph H. Bosten and Frederic Sackrider Remington.

The collections of the museum include works by outstanding 19th and 20th century artists, such as Jacob Alberts, Adolf Brütt, Otto Heinrich Engel, Hans-Peter Feddersen and Carl Ludwig Jessen, all of whom captured the landscape and the people of the North Sea coast quite impressively in their works.

The collection of the museum has been added to continuously through endowments and acquisitions. The collections of the former town museum can also be found in the Nissenhaus.

Alternating special exhibitions on art and art history are also an element of the concept of the museum. Impressive film shots of the North Sea make you want to discover the countryside and its inhabitants.