AQAPOLIS

The world's largest collection of mineral water bottles in glass

At the heart of AQAPOLIS awaits a unique highlight: the world's largest collection of glass mineral water bottles. Curated by Pat Eckert, internationally renowned water sommelier and founder of Fine Liquids, this collection represents an extraordinary journey through the history and culture of water.

Each bottle is a work of art in itself – from rare vintage pieces and iconic designs to modern glass bottles from small, family-run premium brands. This collection showcases not only the diversity of shapes and labels, but also the values ​​of quality, tradition, and sustainability inherent in every bottle.

Immerse yourself in the stories behind the bottles: how the famous Selters water became an international name, which glass bottles originate from long-forgotten sources, and how regional waters preserve their identity through glass. Pat Eckert's meticulous selection makes AQAPOLIS a place of inspiration – not only for water sommeliers, but for everyone who wants to be captivated by the beauty and diversity of water.

Experience the unique fusion of design, craftsmanship, and history at AQAPOLIS. Be enchanted by a collection that is unparalleled worldwide!

Our water bottle collection has been amassed over more than 50 years and includes exhibits from over 120 countries worldwide. The core of the collection came from Hans Figlar of Munich, a passionate collector who contacted me in 2020. Even then, he was sourcing exceptional bottles from Fine Liquids for the Selters Water Museum in Niederselters, to which he later bequeathed his entire collection.

The donation was so extensive, however, that a complete exhibition in Niederselters could never be realized. With the 1250th anniversary of the municipality of Niederselters approaching in 2022, I contacted the former mayor, Dr. Zabel. Together we discussed the possibility of holding the 2022 Water Summit directly at the Niederselters Museum. Due to the Corona pandemic, however, it became "only" an internationally acclaimed Selters tasting event as part of the "Fine Liquids Community."

During the course of our collaboration, it became clear that Dr. Zabel was looking for a new, secure location for his now enormous collection. One thing led to another: the Figlar collection, as well as the one from Niederselters, was complemented by my own. In 2023, I traveled to Niederselters three times to collect the bottles gradually. The review and organization of the collection continued until the end of 2024, before it finally found its home in the Fine Liquids warehouse in Meckesheim.

Today, the main exhibition comprises around 1,500 glass bottles. In addition, there is a collection of approximately 1,200 plastic bottles, of which only a small portion are on display. These are part of the separate exhibition concept "Dying Water," which critically examines the issue of plastic and water.