Review by Howard M. Wedgle
DMNS Vikings in Denver, on Friday, March 11, 2017. (Photo by Denver Museum of Nature and Science)
The first impression or realization from the Vikings exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is how little I knew about the people, who originated in Scandinavia during the period 750-1100 CE. The exhibit is spacious with enough room to wander around without bumping into other people. The museum keeps a quasi control over the quantity of people in the room at any given time.
In short, there is something for every age to be intrigued with here.
First, let’s start with the word Viking. Viking is a term that describes their treks to other lands, which included both trading and raiding. Their societies were complex and multifaceted. Vikings were skilled craftspeople, successful merchants and hard-working farmers whose influence was felt across western Europe and beyond. No one thing defined the Vikings, and research continues to teach us the nuances of these people.
Although the exhibition tells the story of the Vikings through spectacular artifacts, guests won’t find any horned helmets. 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, leading to many common misconceptions. “Vikings: Beyond the Legend” sets the story straight with artifacts and hands-on activities that reveal glimpses into family and community, religion and rituals, travel and trade, aristocracy and slavery, and the significant role of women.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet a “Viking”. At first glance you’ll notice they are dressed differently, as if they just stepped out of a history book. Then they speak and your curiosity is piqued. You have met the Museum’s dynamic historical enactors! In “Vikings: Beyond the Legend,” guests will feel as if they have stepped back in time to Sweden in CE 850 near the trading port of Birka. Professional local actors dressed in period clothing bring a personal perspective to the story of the Vikings. The enactors spend hours conducting extensive research to develop their roles and costumes, grounding the experience in historical accuracy.
Vikings were not just warriors, they were also farmers. Most Vikings carried scythes, not swords. While many did sail the seas and raid and trade with distant societies, most worked on farms tending to livestock or sowing crops to provide for their families. During their travels, they embraced trade with other nations, and many Vikings assimilated into the areas they initially raided.
Hopefully I’ve given you a little background into the Viking people that I’ve intrigued you to see the exhibit, which runs until August 13th. Guests pay $25.95 adult, $21.95 senior (age 65+), $17.95 junior/student (ages 3 – 18 or with a student ID), which includes general admission. Museum members receive a discount on admission to the exhibition. Timed tickets will be required and advance reservations are encouraged. Group pricing is available. An audio guide in English and Spanish will be available for an additional price. For tickets, hours and more information, visit dmns.org/vikings. Tell the museum you heard about the exhibit from ColoradoGrandparent.com.
The museum has related programs, so check out their website.
If you attend, I’d like to get your feedback. Please shoot be an email (howard@shaynamedia.com).
