Before the red ribbon was cut on deck 6, Martin Francis revealed how much he loves the Maritime Museum in Hamburg. After the designer visited the museum for the first time at the invitation of his friend and museum director Peter Tamm, he told his wife on the phone: "If a bus should run over me here now, please donate all my sketches and models to the archive there". Fortunately, that didn't happen, and so the Brit was able to help open the exhibition on 26 February 2025 and donate a model of his legendary "Eco" present.
Big names in the Maritime Museum
Deck 6 quickly became as bustling as an anthill. High-calibre guests toasted each other and crowded in front of the models, photos and drawings. After all, the exhibition is not only a tribute to the extraordinary individual constructions, but also to the talented designers, shipyards, owners and representatives behind these technically highly complex masterpieces. With big names from the world of superyachts, the IMMH became a centre for maritime innovation and yacht building on the opening day.
In addition to Martin Francis Tim Heywood and the Berlin designer and co-curator Theodoros Fotiadis attended the celebration to provide insights into their creative processes. Various representatives from large yacht suppliers and shipyards such as Lürssen and Lloyd Werft also came to the Speicherstadt. The topic of sustainability, which is becoming increasingly important in the maritime industry, will also play a central role in the exhibition.
An industry on the upswing
The superyacht industry has experienced a remarkable upswing in recent years. More and more Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, UHNWI for short, are investing in luxury yachts, which are not only seen as a means of transport, but also as symbols of freedom, style and limitless design. The new exhibition at the IMMH presents exciting exhibits. Visitors can look forward to models by various designers and informative presentations on the latest trends and technologies.
Hamburg is Germany's superyacht hub
The IMMH is already known for its extensive collection of maritime artefacts and stories. With the superyacht exhibition, the museum adds a new dimension that not only visually inspires visitors, but also makes them think. In the specially designed section, those interested can learn more about the evolution of superyachts and how they have changed over the years - from the first luxury yachts built in the early 1900s to the ultra-modern yachts of today.
The fascinating world of shipping on nine decks
"The highlights of our permanent exhibition, which spans nine decks, attract just as many visitors as our special exhibitions," explains museum director Peter Tamm. "Once again this year, we are giving our guests extraordinary insights into the fascinating world of shipping, which of course also includes the world of superyachts." Be there when a new era of maritime heritage is heralded in the heart of Hamburg from 26 February!
The German Superyacht Conference
Fittingly, the 13th German Superyacht Conference of the German superyacht magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV took place the following day, 27 February 2025. The programme ran throughout the day and featured eleven speakers with nine exciting presentations. They included superyacht designers, yacht owners, adventurers and suppliers with a variety of exciting and inspiring stories.
- All details about the German Superyacht Conference: HERE
- Click here for the programme and ticket sales of the German Superyacht Conference!
- Even more museums for maritime enthusiasts: 10 maritime museums worth seeing
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
