Viking Ship Museum to remain at Bygdøy
Today it became clear that the international panel of experts recommends that the collection of Viking ships remains at its current location, Bygdøy, outside Oslo.
Photo: Ståle Skogstad/UiO
“We are very pleased that the international panel of experts has reached a clear conclusion. The University has already allocated special funds to stop the degradation of the collection of Viking ships. We also greatly appreciate the promises of Research Minister Ms. Kristin Halvorsen to ensure the funding of any necessary measures to that end,” says Ole Petter Ottersen, Rector of the University of Oslo.
Bygdøy presents the lowest risk
The panel of experts has analyzed a number of scenarios for the Viking Ship Museum, one of which was to relocate the museum in Oslo’s central waterfront redevelopment area, Bjørvika. All the options involve a certain amount of risk, but the construction of a new museum building at Bygdøy, followed by the renovation of the existing one, will present the lowest risk for the Viking ships in the long run.
“The panel of experts warns against any further delays. It is important now that we intensify our work to preserve the collection Viking ships,” says Rane Willerslev, director of the Museum of Cultural History.
The locality of the Museum of Cultural History
As to the locality of the Museum of Cultural History, its fate will be subject to evaluation at a University Board meeting in June.
“Now we will find a good solution for the Museum of Cultural History, knowing that the Viking ships are to remain at Bygdøy,” says Ottersen.
For more information, please contact:
Marina Tofting, Temporary Director of Communications, phone: 938 66 312