🗿🏺 2017 ROM. Vikings: The Exhibition

Thursday, 02 November 2017 10:00.PM

Explore the myths and stereotypes of this ancient culture in VIKINGS: The Exhibition, presented by investment dealer Raymond James Ltd. Offering a fresh and contemporary look into the Viking Age, VIKINGS is an extraordinary window into the lifestyle, religion, and daily lives of these legendary explorers, artisans, and craftspeople. Encounter objects rarely displayed outside of Scandinavia in this compelling exhibition that challenges the perceptions of the Viking Age through hundreds of objects, as well as interactives, and immersive experiences.

“The Vikings have had a profound impact on the modern imagination,” says Josh Basseches, Director & CEO of the ROM. “This exhibition presents a new and unexpected interpretation of the Vikings, as not only seafaring warriors, but a people who built a rich and varied culture. Our visitors will be surprised by what they see. The ROM showing is the first exhibition of Vikings we’ve ever staged, and we’re particularly delighted to include a Canadian perspective that contributes to our understanding of the Viking history in Canada.”

Transporting visitors to the Viking Age, between the 8th to the 11th centuries, Vikings explores the rich and often misunderstood history of Viking life and culture. Through modern archeological discoveries and research, visitors learn how this seafaring civilization was rooted in a complex society of warriors, farmers, explorers, artisans, craftsmen and merchants. Featuring interactive displays and nearly 500 original objects from the collections of the Swedish History Museum – many rarely seen outside of Scandinavia – the exhibition looks at the work, family life, religion, trade and social hierarchy underpinning Norse society. While Vikings were recognized as master ship-builders and sword and axe makers, the range of objects on display also highlights their extraordinary craftsmanship in ceramic ware, textile, iron, silver, bone and leather making used for their ceremonial pieces and everyday items.

“Vikings provides visitors with a holistic perspective on who the Norse were, how they changed through time and how they constantly pushed the boundaries of their world through innovation and exploration,” says Craig Cipolla, ROM Associate Curator of North American Archaeology. “The archaeological materials and interactive displays in the exhibition allow visitors to see and experience Viking culture and history from valuable new angles.”

The exhibition also features two reconstructed Viking ships – the 13 foot Arby, and the 32 foot Eik Sande. Both vessels have been meticulously re-created using Viking processes and materials of the time, providing visitors with unique insights into Norse boat-building techniques, and the symbolism and mythology of their ships.

To round out the exhibition, the ROM has included a North American component that explores the arrival and settlement of Norse people in Canada. Additional objects – including pieces from the Museum’s own ancient cultures collection, text records, site maps and satellite images shed light on the daily life, trade and interaction of these Norse settlers with Indigenous peoples.

“Raymond James is proud to once again partner with the ROM to present this unique Vikings experience in a one-of-a-kind exhibition,” says Paul Allison, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Raymond James Ltd. “The ROM continues to break new ground to enhance the cultural and educational experiences for its visitors. We are confident this exhibition will be another fascinating and fun-filled adventure for Viking explorers of all ages.”