Delve deeper into the fascinating natural and cultural history of the archipelago at Longyearbyen’s main museum. A unique 1925 Svalbard treaty granted Norway sovereignty over the archipelago. In the ensuing years, its economy expanded from fishing, whaling and hunting to include coal mining and tourism—a transition explored at this museum through a series of exhibitions. Those with an interest in science will also enjoy the history of arctic exploration, as well as an examination of Svalbard’s natural environment from the Jurassic period to the climate concerns of the present day.
