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Oslo Science Centre

Oslo Science Centre at The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology is a popular science experience and learning centre for technology, natural sciences and mathematics. The science centre is an arena where visitors can experience, learn or renew their knowledge on their own terms. Oslo Science Centre is the country's oldest science centre, established in 1986. There are now 13 regional science centres in Norway with a total of over 1 million visitors.

One of The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology 's most important social missions is to actively contribute to science recruitment by disseminating knowledge about technology, industry, science and medicine to the general public. Through Oslo Science Centre and its school activities, the museum works to create enthusiasm for the disciplines and provide knowledge about and interest in this. Oslo Science Centre collaborates closely with the higher education sector to offer updated competence development to the school system rooted in curricula and the schools' educational goals.

Operating funds come from the Ministry of Education and Research through the Research Council of Norway. The mandate is to work towards increased interest and recruitment to natural science studies and professions. The Research Council's development plan for the period 2021-2024 points to the following measures:

  • Further develop and increase the use of the exhibitions

In 2023, The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology and Oslo Science Centre have really taken the integrated model seriously through the development and construction of our new energy exhibition ENERGY in the Time of Climate Crisis. Through close collaboration, we have created an exhibition that combines the historical with interactivity and playful learning.

Oslo Science Centre has reviewed all installations, both those in use and those in storage, and has drawn up a plan for renovation, redesign and replacement.

In connection with the I/O exhibition, the science center has been working on how the activities in the creative workshops can be linked to the exhibition. Two new educational offerings have been developed and implemented for this exhibition, one on the use of artificial intelligence linked to the programming tool micro:bit, and one on creative programming and algorithmic art (sisyphus sand printers).

  • Contribute to increased scientific capital among the general public (Science Capital)

Scientific capital is defined as science-related qualifications (interests, knowledge, skills and social contacts). Oslo Science Centre does this, among other things, by offering various learning paths, where the intention is that the audience will be helped to understand connections and contexts. Empirical evidence shows that parts of Oslo's population do not make use of the museum's offerings. There are many reasons for this, but it is important to be visible in environments outside the museum's four walls. During 2023, science shows were held at Deichmann's branches. We have also advertised the museum and Oslo Science Centre at universities and in the city centre of Oslo using stands. Throughout the summer of 2023, we have offered young people summer jobs at The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology , in addition to jobs at events such as Verdens Kuleste Dag and Oslo Skaperfestival. In the summer of 2023, residents of the Sagene and Stovner districts were offered free tickets to the museum, which was a great success.

  • Further develop the regional role of science centers

Oslo Science Centre is a regional science centre for Oslo and parts of Viken. Through outreach activities to schools and libraries, we increase the visibility of the science centre and the museum in Oslo. The science centre is a member of the Science Centre Association in Norway, which now counts 13 centres plus a couple of branches spread around the country. In 2023, a teacher course in creative school methodology (DeKomp) was run in collaboration with the Municipality of Oslo and the Science Centre at UiO.

Oslo Science Centre 's Talent Center in Natural Sciences offers an offer at eight branches in 2023, two of which are in Kongsberg and Larvik.