Organization

Branches:
Jærmuseet currently comprises two main branches: ”Vitengarden” (the Science Farm) in Nærbø and ”Vitenfabrikken” (the Science Factory) in Sandnes.

Jærmuseet is also responsible for running several local museum facilities in various parts of Jæren.

The head office of Jærmuseet is located at Vitengarden.

Science Centre for South-Western Norway
In 2003, the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research (now called the Ministry of Knowledge) established six regional science centres with responsibility for developing and arranging regional science centre activities.

Jærmuseet was given responsibility for South-Western Norway, i.e. the counties of Rogaland, Vest- and Aust-Agder.

Jærmuseet’s science centre branches include: ”Vitengarden” (the Science Farm), ”Vitenfabrikken” (the Science Factory) and the travelling science programme ”Science Circus”.

The administrative board of Jærmuseet comprises a representative from each of the founder municipalities, a representative from Rogaland county municipality, two representatives elected on a free basis and an employee representative.

Arne Norheim is the chairperson.

GRANTS AND FUNDING
Jærmuseet receives grants from the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Churches, the Norwegian Ministry of Knowledge, Rogaland County Municipality and the municipalities of Jæren. In 2008, Jærmuseet has an operating budget of NOK 26 mill.

Man-labour years / visits
In 2007, Jærmuseet had around 36 man-labour years and a total of 101,000 visitors. About 35,000 of these were children and adolescents taking part in organized educational activities.