Norway’s glacier museum launched its new climate change center by putting US Vice President Walter M. Mondale in a water pool and unplug it.
24/07/2007 :: Norway has put climate change and global warming on top of the agenda and was picked to host the World Environmental Day in 2007. The symbolic opening of the new building at the museum took place in a pool, representing the possible consequences of the rapidly melting ice.
Inside the building, which is designed by the internationally acclaimed architecture Sverre Fehn, a fascinating exhibit appears. Here, visitors are taken on a time-travel back to the distant past, four million year ago, as well as it gives the guests a taste of what the future might bring.
Time travelling
In the first room you will experience the beginning of all life. Erth quakes and volcanic eruption occur. The floor is shaking and glowing lava is flushing under your feet.
Future scenario
Further in, visitors will be introduced to the first mammals and the second ice age 20 000 years ago. In the last room visitors meet themselves. The room is covered with mirrors where you see your own reflection surrounded by nature. Additionally, Sir David Attenborough presents some reflections on the future and the human impact on the environment.
Spectacular opening
People from all over the country participated in the opening. Norway’s Minister of Transportation and communication, Liv Signe Navarsete and Professor Olav Orheim, a well-known figure in researching in the High North, both attended. The Glacier museum was established in 1991 and is a private foundation set up by the Norwegian Trekking Association, International Glaciological Society, The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, Norwegian Polar Institute, Sogn og Fjordane University College and the universities in Bergen and Oslo.
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs