Norsk Oljemuseum

Stavanger is a center for the Norwegian Offshore Oil industry and part of that economic engine. So where there's $$, there's the funds and political incentive to build a monument to the industry. I've seen it before in my visit to Fort McMurray Canada and their Oil Sands Museum. Personal disclosure: I'm a retiree from an oil company with 30+ years of service.

Starting when the Dinosaur (on the roof), I enjoyed my visit, especially the industrial accident/safety precautions, diving technology and the big scale oil rig. The exhibits are well designed and offer information for the entire family. Norway's nationwide application of their oil revenue was also an interesting discussion during our tour.

Our guide was perhaps too familiar with the subject, as she had family members in the Industry, and sometimes went too far afield personally, instead of sticking to museum highlights. As such, Gayle and I found it easier to enjoy the Museum on our own and leave when we were ready.

A nice museum with thorough exhibits to tell you about the Oil & Gas industry in general plus what it means to the Norwegian economy. If you are going to read every exhibit sign, allocate around 1-1.5 hours. They have exhibits to interest both children and adults, so this can be an educational and enjoyable outing for the whole family.

Liked the models of offshore rigs and helpful explanation of how Norway went from no oil production to about 2 million barrels per day. Sorry to say shutting down oil fields to stop global warming may be a difficult necessity for Norway. Thankfully, Norway was and is careful about not squandering income earned to date from oil production. Amazing diving technology and ship building technology explained, along with discussion of human costs incurred. Well worth $13 for say 90 minutes of reading, movie, viewing of models and exhibits.

I've been here several times. The kids like the kiddie corner with an oil platform play structure. It's interesting if you're into the history of oil exploration, otherwise...