The Vikings Begin

This extraordinary new exhibition features dozens of early Viking artifacts from boat graves, organized by Uppsala University in Sweden and its museum, Gustavianum, which is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Viking and pre-Viking objects.

Based on cutting-edge research by Neil Price, Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson and John Ljungkvist, the exhibition at ASI is the Midwest premiere of a collection that has never been outside of Scandinavia until this year, with many finds that are around 1400 years old. With Viking helmets, swords and weapons for attack and defense, as well as jewelry, glass vessels, bowls and other objects with magical importance, the artifacts tell stories both about the society and the people buried with them.

The installation is divided into thematic sections on Viking warfare, maritime trade, a ship burial, Norse gods, the Baltic Sea and geo-political 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.

Related Events & Programming

• Thursdays June 6, July 11 & August 8 – Summer Lawn Parties: These monthly after-hours events feature Vikings-related demos, activities and movies.
• Friday, September 13 – Cocktails at the Castle: ASI's famous museum party is back and is inspired by the exhibition!
• Throughout run of exhibition – Private Group Tours: Book a tour for your group of 10+ to experience The Vikings Begin with a knowledgable guide.