Vikings - Beyond the legend- Discover the fascinating world of Vikings

by Jude Timms on 23 Jan 2014 The major international exhibition 'Vikings – Beyond the Legend' must close on 2nd February 2014. Time is running out for Sydneysiders to discover the fascinating world of Scandinavia’s most famous celebrities – Vikings – at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Developed by the Swedish History Museum Vikings – Beyond the legend draws on recent archaeological discoveries and hundreds of rare artefacts to shed new light on the Viking way of life and quash stereotypes of Vikings as ferocious, plundering pagans in horned helmets.

Visitors to the exhibition will see hundreds of unique artefacts, many never before seen in Australia, including exquisite gold and silver pendants, the oldest known Scandinavian crucifix, beautifully designed jewellery such as arm bands, neck rings, and brooches, small statuettes of Norse gods, and Viking swords ranging in date from 700-1100AD which demonstrate the intricacy of Viking arts, craft, and metal work technologies.

The exhibition also includes an eight metre replica Viking boat called Krampmacken, a reconstruction of a Viking boat found in Lake Tingstäde on Gotland, Sweden. And visitors can also step onboard the Jorgen Jorgenson, a restored reconstruction of a late ninth century Gokstad ship berthed at the museum’s wharves.

The National Maritime Museum is the only place in Australia to see the international blockbuster, before it tours to America, Canada and Europe.

And to learn more visitors can enjoy a special lecture – Myth and Religion of the Viking World – by the University of Sydney’s Professor Margaret Cunies on Thursday 30 January, 6 – 8pm. Tickets are $40 per person and include refreshments and a curator-led tour of the exhibition – call 9298 3655 to book or visit here.

Proudly supported by major partner Viking Cruises, Vikings - Beyond the legend must close on 2 February 2014. Tickets are $27 adults, $16 child/concession, $70 family and can be prebooked through Ticketek.

The exhibition is a joint venture between and produced by The Swedish History Museum, Stockholm and MuseumsPartner Austria.

The Australian National Maritime Museum, in Darling Harbour, is open from 9.30am to 6p.m. daily. All enquiries (02) 9298 3777 or click here.