Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Explore Norway's vital oil and gas history through interactive exhibits and striking architecture by Stavanger's port.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Norway's vital oil and gas history through interactive exhibits and striking architecture by Stavanger's port.
"Really enjoyed it and would recommend going; the history was fascinating and there were a lot of interactive elements."
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibits and interactive displays.
Engage with Interactive Tech
The museum uses technology to make learning fun and engaging for everyone. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Oil Extraction Models
Exhibition Hall
See detailed models and exhibits explaining how crude oil is extracted from the seabed. Fascinating for all ages!
Vertical Immersive Movie
End of Tour
Experience an immersive vertical movie showcasing how oil and gas are pulled from the sea. Truly captivating!
Children's Activity Area
Dedicated Zone
A wonderfully illustrated and fun zone for kids to learn about the city's history through oil.
Unique Landmark Architecture
Exterior
Admire the museum's striking building, constructed from various rocks, a landmark by the port.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Interactive Exhibits & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibits and interactive displays.
Engage with Interactive Tech
The museum uses technology to make learning fun and engaging for everyone. :iphone:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Children will love the dedicated activity areas and illustrated stories. :child:
Don't Miss the Vertical Movie
The immersive vertical movie at the end is a highlight for understanding extraction. :movie_camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibits and interactive displays.
Engage with Interactive Tech
The museum uses technology to make learning fun and engaging for everyone. :iphone:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Children will love the dedicated activity areas and illustrated stories. :child:
Don't Miss the Vertical Movie
The immersive vertical movie at the end is a highlight for understanding extraction. :movie_camera:
Check Opening Hours
Confirm 'stavanger oil museum opening hours' before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Norwegian Petroleum Museum highly informative, interesting, and interactive, with many recommending it even if it wasn't initially on their list. The architecture is praised, and the exhibits are well-done, though some find the text-heavy oil narrative dense. The children's activities are particularly well-received.
"Very informative, interesting and interactive. This museum wasn't top of my list when I first came to Stavanger but I really enjoyed it and I'd recommend going. The history was fascinating and there were a lot of interactive elements."
Becky Wood
"This museum employed technology to make it more interactive for visitors. The architecture is well done and so are the exhibitions. Although the oil narrative on the wall is comprehensive, it is very dense and it is difficult to follow if there’s a lot of people trying to read it and perhaps the information could be broken up a bit. There’s great activities for children and their version of the story is well illustrated and fun to follow."
Ancunel Janse van Rensburg
"Nice small museum giving a lot of knowledge about petroleum business. I really loved all the showpieces and models explainig how crude oil od extracted from the sea bed."
Libor Trško
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Norwegian Petroleum Museum is located by the port in Stavanger. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center. If arriving by car, there are parking facilities nearby. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops close to the museum.
While the museum itself is designed to be accessible, Stavanger has many hills and slopes, which might pose a challenge for those with walking difficulties during their overall city tour.
From Stavanger Airport (SVG), you can take a bus or a taxi to the city center, and then it's a short walk to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes.
Yes, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum is conveniently located near the cruise port, making it a pleasant walk for cruise passengers exploring Stavanger.
Consider using local buses for easy access. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with exploring the charming streets of Stavanger.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's always best to check the official website for the most current 'stavanger oil museum opening hours' as they can vary seasonally. Generally, it's open most days, but confirming beforehand is recommended.
Admission fees are reasonable, and the museum offers good value for the educational experience. Check their website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to save time and guarantee entry. :ticket:
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits.
While not always explicitly advertised, inquire at the information desk about any available guided tours or audio guides to enhance your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore interactive exhibits on oil extraction, see detailed models, watch an immersive vertical movie, and discover the history of Norway's petroleum industry. There's also a dedicated children's area.
Absolutely! It's very interactive and has a fantastic dedicated area for children with engaging activities and stories. 
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits and interactive elements.
Yes, the exhibits are comprehensive and feature information in both Norwegian and English, making it accessible to international visitors.
The museum is housed in a distinctive landmark building constructed from various types of rocks, making it visually striking by the port.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the museum itself might not have a full-service restaurant, there are often cafes or snack areas. It's also located near many restaurants and cafes in Stavanger's harbor area.
The surrounding harbor area offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants, reflecting Stavanger's coastal location.
Typically, museums prefer that outside food and drinks are consumed in designated areas or outside the exhibition spaces to preserve the exhibits. Check their policy upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the exhibits. Always look for signage.
The unique architecture of the building itself is a great photo opportunity. Inside, the detailed models and interactive displays also make for interesting shots.
Yes, capturing the interactive elements can be fun, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing their experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Parents will appreciate the educational value and the opportunity for kids to learn through play. The immersive movie is also a hit with all ages. Tips for families: Arrive earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds. Allow ample time for children to explore the interactive zones. The museum's location by the port also offers opportunities for a pleasant stroll before or after your visit.
🤓 Curious Learners & History Buffs
Highlights for learners: Don't miss the vertical movie for an immersive understanding of extraction processes. The detailed showpieces and models explaining seabed extraction are particularly insightful.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside, the intricate models of oil platforms and the dynamic interactive displays offer compelling subjects for photography. Photo tips: Be mindful of any 'no flash' signs, especially around sensitive exhibits. Capture the scale of the models and the engagement of visitors with the interactive elements for dynamic shots. The museum's waterfront location also provides scenic views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Innovation
This architectural choice reflects the museum's theme: the extraction and utilization of natural resources. The varied textures and colors of the rocks create a visually dynamic exterior that complements the modern, engaging exhibits within. It’s a testament to how design can enhance the visitor experience and convey the essence of the subject matter.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
For children, there's a dedicated area filled with illustrated stories and fun activities that explain the history of Stavanger and its connection to oil. Adults can delve into the technical aspects of oil extraction, explore detailed models of offshore platforms, and experience the immersive vertical movie that simulates the process of bringing oil to the surface. This blend of educational content and interactive fun makes it a highly recommended visit for families.
+1Understanding Norway's Oil Heritage
Visitors can learn about the challenges and innovations involved in offshore exploration and production, with detailed showpieces and models that vividly explain how crude oil is extracted from the seabed. The museum doesn't shy away from the complexities, presenting a well-rounded view of the industry's evolution and its ongoing significance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit