Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Rogaland
The Norwegian Petroleum Museum, located in Stavanger, Norway, is dedicated to documenting the country's oil and gas industry, particularly offshore activities in the North Sea. Opened in 1999 and designed by Lunde & Løvseth Arkitekter, the museum's architecture resembles a small oil platform, making it a recognizable landmark in the Port of Stavanger. The museum spans approximately 5,000 square meters and features exhibits that display the technological evolution from the mid-1960s, including the first North Sea drilling platforms, steel and concrete platforms developed in Norway, and modern flexible production ships and subsea systems. Visitors can explore a wide range of objects, films, photographs, and interactive displays that illustrate how oil and gas were formed millions of years ago and the development of petroleum technology. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and educational activities for children and adults, making it an engaging experience for families and industry enthusiasts alike. It is one of Stavanger's most visited attractions, reflecting the region's important role in Norway's petroleum history.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum is during the summer months (June to August) when it is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00. For the rest of the year, it operates Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 and Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid queues. The museum offers discounted tickets for students, seniors, families, and free admission for children under 4 and school groups. Special arrangements are available for groups such as refugees; contacting the museum directly for information is recommended. Note that the museum is closed on certain holidays including Christmas and May 17th.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's building is designed to resemble a small offshore oil platform when viewed from the sea, making it a distinctive landmark in Stavanger's harbor.
- •It covers approximately 5,000 square meters with exhibits showcasing the full history of Norwegian offshore petroleum technology.
- •The museum holds extensive collections including objects, films, and photographs documenting the development of oil and gas activities from the 1960s onward.
- •It is Stavanger's most visited museum, with visitor numbers increasing steadily since its opening in 1999.
- •The official opening was conducted by King Harald V on May 20, 1999.
History
The idea for establishing a petroleum museum in Stavanger was first proposed in 1974, and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum Foundation was established in 1980 to collect materials documenting Norway's oil and gas activities.
In 1992, the architectural firm Lunde & Løvseth won a national design competition for the museum.
Construction began in 1997 and was completed within 22 months, with funding from the Norwegian government, Rogaland county, Stavanger municipality, and private sponsors.
The museum officially opened on May 20, 1999, by King Harald V.
Since its opening, the museum has grown in popularity, setting visitor records annually from 1998 to 2008 and continuing to attract large numbers of guests.
Place Guide
Entrance Area
The entrance welcomes visitors with maritime-themed design elements and sets the tone for the museum experience, reflecting the offshore oil environment.
Gullfaks Display
An exhibit dedicated to the Gullfaks oil field, one of Norway's largest offshore petroleum fields, featuring models and technical information about the platforms and production.
Treasure Saga Display
This exhibit presents the Treasure Saga, an important subsea development project, showcasing advanced subsea systems and their role in modern petroleum extraction.
Oil Well Christmas Tree
A detailed display of an oil well Christmas tree, which is a critical component of offshore oil extraction infrastructure, illustrating its function and design.
Contact
Phone: 51 93 93 00
