Play, calculate, and solve puzzles.
In the 1700s, Thomas Angell was one of Trondheim's wealthiest men. It is said that he left behind a fortune equivalent to three barrels of gold when he passed away in 1767, which was a massive sum. He was also remarkably generous. Story has it that he bequeathed so much of his wealth to the poor that local priests and officials worried the poor would become too rich! Since Thomas Angell lived right here where Vitensenteret stands today, we thought it only fair that he should have his very own exhibition. Therefore, in 2011, we opened Thomas Angell's Mathematics Room.
In this room, you can test your skills against various mathematical challenges, many of which are designed as games. Over in the corner, you can spot Thomas's three barrels of gold. How much do you think three barrels of gold would be worth today?
Together with his brother Lauritz, Thomas embarked on a grand tour of Europe. One of our exhibits displays an old map of Europe, where you can try to find the shortest route back home if you have to stop by every single city. You can also try your hand at navigation by using cross-bearing techniques to correctly place the lighthouse, the lighthouse keeper's house, the tree, and the flagpole on Fyrholmen island. Thomas Angell was one of nine siblings - can you manage to place them in the correct birth order? Take a trip into Thomas Angell's Mathematics Room and try out some math challenges!