History

Oceanen was previously Sweden’s first Oceanographic Institute, from 1938 until 1995. The building was designed by the oceanographer Hans Pettersson, thanks to a grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Oceanography is in its core an international subject of research. Because of this, there was an apartment established for guest researchers. The house was drawn by the prefect Hans Pettersson, and the anecdotes from this time are now being preserved in writing.

The famous Alabatross expedition was planned in and with Oceanen as its base. We can still find a copy of the piston corer at our attic. It was a critical technical novelty at the time as it allowed you to take sediment samples from previously unexplored ocean depths.

Hans Pettersson was honored with the municipal badge of honor on october 4th 1948 for his scientific efforts and for being an exemplary ambassador for the city of Gothenburg.