Climate Storytelling for a New Century: Sarner’s Glacier Museum Upgrade Celebrates David Attenborough at 100
As the world celebrates the 100th birthday of legendary broadcaster and environmental advocate Sir David Attenborough, one immersive attraction in the Norwegian fjords stands as a powerful reminder of the message he has spent a lifetime delivering: the planet still has time to change course. At the heart of Sarner’s transformation of the Norwegian Glacier Museum is a moving finale narrated by Sir David himself - a climactic film experience urging visitors to protect “the only home we have.”
The upgrade saw Sarner’s Creative Director, Mike Bennett, work directly with Sir David Attenborough to create a powerful immersive climate experience. Developed at a pivotal moment in public awareness of climate change, the exhibition used experiential storytelling to explore the fragility of the planet and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. As institutions across the UK and internationally mark Attenborough’s centenary, the project remains a lasting example of the emotional impact and enduring relevance of environmental storytelling within immersive attractions.
Located in Fjærland beneath the vast Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the Glacier Museum has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most significant climate education attractions. Sarner’s relationship with the museum stretches back more than three decades, beginning with the original walkthrough glacier experience and continuing through multiple generations of exhibition upgrades.
The redevelopment reimagined the museum’s acclaimed “Our Fragile Climate” exhibition using large-scale projections, immersive media environments, interactive technologies and atmospheric lighting integrated into the building’s striking architecture designed by renowned Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn. Visitors were taken on a journey through billions of years of Earth’s history - from volcanic planetary formation and prehistoric jungles to the last Ice Age and future climate scenarios. The experience culminated in Attenborough’s narration, combining emotional storytelling with scientific urgency.
Importantly, the project also reflected the sustainability principles that Attenborough championed throughout his career. Rather than replacing the entire exhibition infrastructure, Sarner focused on repurposing and enhancing existing scenic and lighting elements, reducing waste while modernising the experience through energy-efficient technologies and automated control systems. Ross Magri, Managing Director of Sarner, described the museum partnership as one that had “stood the test of time,” with the company continuing to work closely with the museum team to evolve the attraction for new generations of visitors.
The relevance of the project feels especially significant in the year of Attenborough’s 100th birthday. Around the world, audiences continue to respond to his calls for climate action with extraordinary affection and admiration, with many describing him as “a true national treasure” and “the greatest ambassador for life on Earth.” At the Norwegian Glacier Museum, that legacy was translated into physical space through an immersive environmental experience designed not only to educate visitors, but to leave them emotionally connected to the future of the planet.
In an era increasingly shaped by climate uncertainty, the project demonstrated how experiential storytelling can transform scientific information into something deeply human - a fitting tribute to the century-long influence of David Attenborough and his enduring message of hope.
