The Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø is as fascinating as it is welcoming.
Aviation – so much more than your average plane Prepare yourself for a history lesson and inspirational moments at the Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø. By Karen Langfjæran | Photos: Martin Losvik, Big Picture
If you are of the perception that a museum is simply an attraction for people with a particular interest, you are in for a surprise and a treat at the Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø. The popular museum is built on the grounds of the provisional German airport built during the World War II occupation period, and welcomes you to explore war history and the development of aircrafts, from the air balloons used for entertainment purposes in the 1890s to Norway’s first ever plane in 1912, via the war periods and up to today’s rather stylish jet planes. There is really nothing to suggest that you will not take pleasure in a trip to the 116 | Issue 103 | August 2017
historic museum located just outside Bodø city centre.
From dreams to execution – Norwegian aviation at its best The Norwegian Aviation Museum consists of two main galleries, both aiming to show that aviation is so much more than just planes. Of course, as you explore the civil and military aviation history of Norway through the museum’s exhibitions, it might seem like little more than a typical museum showcasing planes. But among aircrafts such as the beautiful Hønningstad C5 Polar, the British Mosquito and the German Jun-
kers Ju 88, used during World War II, you will find exciting interactive exhibitions presenting aerodynamics through play and opportunities to sit and enjoy a moment of silence in cockpits as well as fun and exciting films. “The first thing you see in the museum is the exhibition Dreams of Flight, where you are exposed to a film and visual elements and artefacts showing the foundation of aviation: the initial dream of flying,” says Hanne Kristin Jakhelln, director of The Norwegian Aviation Museum. Dreams, mythology and fantasy go together as one with technology and reality as you walk through the mysterious cabinet where you see many of the common associations with flying – as well as many fun ones, such as Mary Poppins and Superman.