Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Must-See Museums
Photo: Fredrik Ringe
Behind the scenes of the Norwegian oil adventure Have a peek behind the scenes of the Norwegian petroleum adventure and experience its history, from the very beginning of how oil and gas are created, to the modern platforms in the North Sea, and how Norway has become one of the leading countries in the oil and gas industry. By Synne Johnsson | Photos: ElizabethTonnessen
Norwegian Petroleum Museum opened in Stavanger, the oil capital of Norway, in 1999 in a beautiful building symbolising the Norwegian bedrock, the open coastal landscape and the offshore oil installations in the sea. “We show everything from the origin of oil and gas to what petroleum resources have meant to Norway. We also talk about the environmental dilemma. Should we be proud? Is it good? Is it bad? All those questions and topics are things you can explore here,” says Siri Vinje, department head of visitor services. The museum is for all age groups and nationalities. There are activities and a large play area for children as well as three films and exhibitions showcasing the various aspects of the petroleum industry. 62 | Issue 112 | May 2018
The museum also offers paper guides in 11 languages, and everything is available in English as well as Norwegian. The exhibitions cover topics ranging from geology and the history of the origin of petroleum to the history of the North Sea Divers and up to modern times. They also show the development of the petroleum industry and the oil fields with different models and objects. “We have safety training where you can go through a dark labyrinth and we portray the environment on both an old drilling rig and a modern version. People can dress up in survival suits and try the escape chute from one deck to another,” says Vinje.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, there is also an area for temporary exhibitions. Right now, there is an award-winning photography exhibition by Marie Von Krogh, called Offshore ID. It portrays the life of offshore workers and how they live one life at home with their families and another life at work offshore. Included in it is a video installation by Sigmund Trageton. This will be open until October. “Many people say that at first they assumed this would be a very technical museum, but when they come here they get a pleasant surprise because of the modern and interactive exhibitions we have,” says Vinje. “It’s a museum for everyone, both people that are especially interested in the petroleum industry and those who just want to come for a day to explore.” Web: www.norskolje.museum.no Facebook: oljemuseet Instagram: @norskoljemuseum