MOR presents Norse warriors’ beginnings, local history come to life
Alongside its famed Siebel Dinosaur Complex, a venturesome showcase is set to plant its flag at Museum of the Rockies this summer. The Vikings Begin opens May 29th and will be on display through mid-September.
The exhibition includes magnificent weapons, both for attack and defense, but also smaller treasures such as jewelry and objects of magical importance. To understand the story of how the Vikings began, the exhibition looks at their relationship with the outside world, their spiritual and magical beliefs, the role of warfare, the importance of water and waterways, and how trade routes influenced their world.
Based on cutting-edge research by Neil Price, Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson and John Ljungkvist, the exhibition is the premiere of a collection that has only been outside of Scandinavia a few times. With Viking helmets, swords, and weapons for attack and defense, as well as jewelry, glass vessels, bowls, the artifacts tell stories both about the society and the people buried with them.
The exhibition is divided into thematic sections on Viking warfare, maritime trade, a ship burial, Norse gods, the Baltic Sea and geopolitical relationships to other cultures, shedding new light on how early Viking society was organized, the role of women, and the development of maritime innovation that enabled the Vikings to reach faraway lands in the East and the West.
The Vikings Begin is produced by the Gustavianum, housed in Sweden’s Uppsala University Museum.
MOR’s Living History Farm will also open for the summer season on May 29th, allowing visitors to experience what life was like in the Treasure State more than 100 years ago.
In 1989, the Tinsley House was relocated to Museum, bringing with it the history of Montana’s homesteading era. Skilled costumed interpreters will take you back in time as they cook over a wood-burning stove, demonstrate cooking skills and recipes from the 1890s, tend to the Heirloom Garden, and forge iron in the blacksmith’s shop. Take time this summer to enjoy the beautiful sights of the garden, the smells of home cooking, and the history of a time gone by that lives on today.
The Living History Farm is included with Museum admission. Hours are 10am–4pm daily, through August.
Beginning May 29th, MOR will be open from 9am–5pm daily. For more information about featured exhibits and membership details, visit www.museumoftherockies.org. •
