Petroleum Museum

Ken and Diane puzzled over the sign for the "Oljemuseum" while admiring this building and finally realized that it was about oil and petroleum. We deduced it from the shape and thoughts of "oleo" substitutes for butter, since our guide book did not mention the place.

Norway always had a harsh economy, given its rocky land and cold weather. The country suffered through wars about the Reformation, Napoleon and World War II. When Norwegians struck oil on Christmas Eve in 1969, prospects changed. No wonder the drill bit that struck oil is pictured on posters and tee-shirts. (See graphic on right.)

Ken considered the Museum nothing but "greenwash" to make the oil industry look good, but Diane loved it. (Ten years in a refinery will shape a person's feelings that way.) There are interactive exhibits showing the history of earth's geology and formation of petroleum. How exciting when the planet is hit by a meteor for the Permian extinction! Other displays trace the history of humans using oil and compare fuel consumption in various countries. In addition to models and films about the enormous oil platforms, there is a simulation so a person can "visit" the control room and living areas on an ocean oil rig. One room is like entering a kaleidescope; it is a multimedia art project about time.

The only bad feature is that the Museum includes a pornographic picture posted on the locker door in the simulated oil rig. This may be accurate, but did they have to include it in the display? Scandinavia may have more easy-going attitudes towards sexuality, but porno is still a way of telling women where they belong. It is a way of saying women don't belong on the oil rigs. Diane was infuriated. (Ten years in a refinery will shape a woman's feelings that way.)