Danish architecture firm Kvorning Design & Communication has won the contract for a new Secrets of the Sea exhibition at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, designed around a whirlpool creation as the new centrepiece for the museum.

Featuring different zones with analogue and digital activities to encourage collaboration, learning and play, the exhibition design has been inspired by the sea, which is fitting for the museum located in the port of Stavanger. The exhibition’s most impressive feature is a whirlpool sculpture starting on the ceiling and descending down to the lower floor, actively being integrated into the storytelling of the exhibit.

The exhibition will look at petroleum geology and how oil is extracted from the bottom of the oceans. A number of topics will be explored including overcoming technical restrictions that hinder the search for oil and working to safely extract oil from deep down under the ocean floor.

“We see that Kvorning has understood the task and delivered a very resilient, well-reasoned and appealing concept. They unite wow-effect with the possibility of gaining facts and knowledge in an innovative design,” said a statement from the museum.

“Our decision is based on what we think will make it possible to open a new exhibition about petroleum geology, with an innovative wow-effect strong enough to boost the museum not only in 2017, but in many, many years to come.”

Kvorning will now work closely with representatives of the Norwegian Petroleum Museum to develop the concept, where analogue and digital means of communication will be actively blended together to create a comprehensive and entertaining exhibition when it opens in 2017.