Those were the words of Sigrun Aasland, Minister of Research and Higher Education, as she cut the ribbon alongside County Mayor Arne Thomassen on Tuesday. The official opening took place at Campus Kristiansand in front of nearly 200 invited guests. The center will open its doors to the general public this coming Saturday, June 20.
The brand-new science center serves as an innovative arena where families, students, and the general public can experience science and research firsthand. The facility features interactive exhibitions, presentation rooms, a stage, and a wide variety of activities designed for visitors and school groups alike.
"This is a unique opportunity to open the world of science to people of all ages, effectively lowering the threshold between academia and society," says Hilde Inntjore, Vice-Rector for Education at the University of Agder (UiA). "The center provides us with a completely new platform to communicate research and inspire the students and scientists of tomorrow."
Expanding the scope: A new campus landmark
Vitensenteret Sørlandet is consolidating all its Kristiansand operations into this new building. The expanded facilities allow for a richer selection of exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.
"This represents a massive leap forward for science communication in the Agder region," says Kine Wangerud, Managing Director of Vitensenteret Sørlandet. "It opens up new possibilities for outreach, activities, and projects. The synergy we have developed with UiA is truly unique."
UiA will utilize its dedicated areas within the building for teaching, dissemination, and project-based work. This includes the establishment of makerspaces where students, staff, and the public can engage in hands-on work with technology, design, and prototyping.
"For UiA students and faculty, the center unlocks fresh avenues for teaching and research communication," Inntjore adds. "The makerspaces enable a more practical, exploratory, and collaborative approach across different academic disciplines."
In addition to shared event spaces, the building features an on-site café operated by the Student Welfare Organisation in Agder (SiA).
A Hub of collaborative opportunities
Spanning 3,000 square meters, the new building is strategically located next to the Spicheren fitness center, in close proximity to Gimlehallen and Kristiansand Cathedral School. It is also just a short walk away from UiA’s Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden.
"Our partnership is built on a shared vision: making science exciting, accessible, and engaging for everyone. We look forward to the road ahead with UiA and our other partners—the possibilities are endless," says Wangerud.
The building itself is owned and managed by the Oslo-based real estate development company Greveskogen Eiendom, with UiA and Vitensenteret Sørlandet as tenants. Managing Director Hans Jacob Låhne expressed great pride in the final result.
"I am incredibly proud of how beautiful the center has turned out, and what we have achieved together through collaboration. It has become an outstanding facility," Låhne states.
UiA Rector Sunniva Whittaker also praised the new facility during the opening ceremony:
"It is simply magnificent. The opening marks a day of celebration for everyone involved and for the future users of the building. This is a brilliant joint effort for children, young people, and our future."
Inaugural exhibition: The Brain Journey
To mark the grand opening, the center has launched a dedicated flagship exhibition called "Hjernereisen" (The Brain Journey), which will run for at least two years. Visitors can explore how the human brain functions in practice through immersive experiences and interactive installations.
The exhibition was developed through a collaborative effort between UiA neuroscientists Hanne and Tor Védrun Stensola, the Science Center, RVTS Sør and Kristian Landmark. It directly leverages the researchers' expertise on how the brain navigates space and processes complex information.
Key Facts: Vitensenteret Kristiansand UiA
• Partnership: Collaboration between the University of Agder (UiA) and Vitensenteret Sørlandet.
• Location: Campus Kristiansand, adjacent to the Spicheren fitness center.
• Timeline: Officially opened June 16, 2026; public opening on June 20, 2026.
• Size: 3,000 square meters.
• Facilities: Interactive exhibition halls, makerspaces, UiA classrooms, shared event spaces, and a student-run café (SiA).
• Current Feature: The interactive "Hjernereisen" (The Brain Journey) neuroscience exhibition.
Snapshots from the opening day:
