"The Ocean Planet" is a new and comprehensive communication project about the ocean, aimed at children and young people. The exhibition opens in the summer of 2026 and is an important part of VilVite's commitment to sustainability.
- Securing the ocean is securing our future. That's why we need to give young people the knowledge and commitment to take care of the ocean. With this exhibition, we want to give children and young people the opportunity to explore how they themselves can help shape the future of the sea - and perhaps find inspiration for a maritime career," says county deputy mayor Stian Davies, who chaired the county committee on October 21.
- In recent years, we have renewed the entire VilVite to make the knowledge center more relevant, inspiring and sustainable. Vestland County Council has been a crucial partner all the way. Today's grant of NOK 2 million will enable us to realize a unique new exhibition," says Lars Leegaard Marøy, CEO of VilVite, about the award.
Solid professional anchoring
In the application, VilVite writes that the interactive exhibition will run for ten years, and the goal is to reach around 125,000 visitors annually.
"The Ocean Planet" aims to convey important knowledge and inspire children and young people to choose a marine or maritime career. In the exhibition, guests are taken on a journey beneath the surface of the sea. Engaging and interactive experiences form the basis for exploring key topics such as climate and the sea, shipping and technology, and the water cycle.
The project has a solid academic foundation through collaboration with research environments such as the University of Bergen, the Institute of Marine Research, Norce, Sintef and Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Significant funding has already been secured from industry and foundations.
- We know far too little about the ocean
VilVite receives annual support from the county council through operating grants and individual grants. The county council has previously supported the two sustainability exhibitions "Loop" and "Energibyen".
- We must all work together if we are to secure the future of the ocean. We know far too little about the ocean, which is why it's important that all forces from research, business, the public sector and civil society contribute to raising awareness of the ocean's opportunities. "The Ocean Planet is a good example of such collaboration," says the county deputy mayor.
The county council believes that the project is also well coordinated with regional initiatives such as One Ocean and One Ocean District, and that it will help to position Western Norway as a leader in sustainable ocean management and innovation. Against this background, the county council considers the application to be highly relevant and in line with the county council's goals for sustainability, knowledge dissemination and regional development. It is positive that the project has broad funding, and that the county council's support will help to trigger further values and ripple effects.
For more information about the award, visit the Vestland County Council website .
