The History & Culture of Vikings Comes to New York's Discovery Times Square
New York, NY (PRWEB) January 07, 2016 -- What does the word Viking bring to mind? Ruthless warrior and merciless invader? Or prosperous farmer and enterprising merchant? These questions will be answered when Vikings debuts at Discovery Times Square on February 5, 2016. The acclaimed exhibition, which had welcomed 1.3 million visitors to date, is organized by the Swedish History Museum in Sweden, in partnership with MuseumsPartner in Austria.
“We’re thrilled to host this acclaimed exhibit that is rich in history,” said James Sanna, President of Discovery Times Square.“ Vikings is a continuation of our commitment to connect visitors to the best in history, art and culture.”
“We are really excited that New York will be the next stop for our exhibition,” said Maria Jansén, director General at the Swedish history Museum. “Don´t miss the opportunity to meet new sides of the well-known Vikings!”
Vikings transports visitors to the Viking Age (8th-11th centuries) brought to light through modern archaeological discoveries. Nearly 500 ancient artifacts—many never before seen outside of Scandinavia—reveal new insights into the legendary people characterized as heartless marauders.
Artifacts on display will reveal glimpses into family and community, religion and rituals, travel and trade, aristocracy and slavery and the roles of women. The exhibition provides insight into the significance of Norse craftsmanship, the power of their mythology, and the symbolism of their ships. A highlight of the exhibition is the Gokstad II, a replica Scandinavian Viking boat, based on historical and archaeological sources.
The exhibition also explores some of the misconceptions surrounding these early Scandinavians. Though there is a Viking helmet replica in the exhibition, visitors won’t find any horned helmets on display. In fact, no Viking helmet has ever been discovered with horns; this image emerged in the 19th century, popularized by authors and artists who romanticized Norse culture. Another myth is that the Vikings called themselves “Vikings.” Generally, the people of early Scandinavia named themselves after the farm, village, or region in which they lived. The word “Viking,” derives from Old Norse, and meant going on a trade or a raid. During the Viking era, people were not always out on these expeditions; most lived as farmers, merchants, and craftsmen.
Striking examples of Viking craftsmanship are on display including exquisitely wrought brooches, depictions of Norse gods, as well as gold and silver pendants—including the oldest known Scandinavian crucifix, highlighting the transition between Old Norse religious practices and Christianity. Viking Age swords and other weapons will also be on display, highlighting the Vikings’ exceptional metal working technologies.
Vikings features a number of interactives, allowing Museum visitors to take part in the excavation of a virtual boat grave, spell a name in runes, explore Norse mythology, and play an early Scandinavian board game. Visitors can pick up an accurate replica of a Viking Age sword and test the weight and balance between handle and blade, discovering the skill it takes to master sword handling.
Vikings brings a new appreciation for the people remembered mainly for their plundering ways. And while raiding and pillaging were mainstays of their culture, Viking society was much more complex and multifaceted; Vikings were skilled craftsmen, successful merchants, and hard-working farmers. Like society today, no one thing defined the Vikings, and research continues to teach us how nuanced these northern people were.
Vikings will run at Discovery Times Square until September 5th, 2016. Advanced ticket prices start at $20.00. Special savings for groups of 10 or more are available with advanced reservation. Once open, the last tickets are sold 60 minutes prior to closing. For individual tickets and venue hours, visit http://www.discoverytsx.com or call 866.9.TSXNYC (866-987-9692) or visit the Discovery Times Square Box Office.
About Discovery Times Square:
Discovery Times Square (DTS) is New York City's first large-scale exhibition center presenting visitors with limited-run, educational, and immersive exhibit experiences while exploring the world's defining cultures, art, history, and events. More than a museum, DTS has featured exhibitions of unparalleled breadth, including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Leonardo Da Vinci's Workshop, King Tut, Pompeii The Exhibit, Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition, Terracotta Warriors: Defenders of China’s, Body Worlds: Pulse, The Art of the Brick, and most recently, Star Wars and the Power of Costume: The Exhibition. DTS is located at 226 West 44th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenues).
About the Swedish History Museum:
The Swedish History Museum is one of the biggest museums in Sweden. Every year tens of thousands of visitors come from Sweden and around the world to see one of the world’s largest Viking exhibits, Sweden’s foremost gold and silver treasures, incomparable medieval art and unique finds from one of the most violent battles of Swedish history – the Battle of Gotland 1361. The Museum has more than ten million objects – archaeological artifacts and ecclesiastical art – excavated and found in what is now called Sweden. But the objects origins are worldwide and of all times, from oldest prehistory to the Viking and Middle Ages. The museum is also a venue for temporary exhibitions and activities for all ages. Lectures, theme weekends, school tours, family activities and school holiday programs are part of the supply.
About MuseumsPartner:
Working together with international museums, MuseumsPartner has produced and travelled numerous exhibitions, such as the Iceman and the Vikings exhibitions. We have visited many countries in the world and our exhibitions have attracted more than 4 million visitors. Our exhibitions are offered through a unique ‘turnkey’ contract that ensures that our clients are guaranteed a fixed, ‘no surprises’, investment for their projects. Our extensive background in fine art transport brings strong capabilities in project management, logistics and financial management to our partners. Being a certified member of the ICEFAT (International Convention of Exhibition and Fine Art Transporters), guarantees that we provide a service at the highest, possible international level.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Teresa Brady
Discovery Times Square
(646) 619-8614
teresa(at)runningsubway(dot)com
Teresa Brady, Running Subway, +1 (646) 619-8614, [email protected]
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