The viking interpretation centre, the first one in France
Ornavik Park will feature a Viking interpretation centre in 2027. It’s a unique project in France whose mission will be to present the Viking saga in a dynamic and lively way, from its birth to its end.
Why an interpretation centre instead of a museum?
Our choice of an interpretation centre was guided by two factors.
Firstly, no Viking objects were found neither on the park site, nor in the region. We were therefore unable to build up collections in the same way as museums do.
Secondly, we wanted something lively, based on emotion and direct immersion in the culture. Since the beginning of this adventure, we have prioritised interactivity between you, our visitors, and the Ornavik historical park.
The interpretation centre is an educational place. Its aim is to provide an understanding of Viking culture by displaying weapons, tools, tableware and clothing.. You can try on a helmet or shield to get a feel for their weight.
By striking a beam with a sword, trying on chain mail, and wearing linen, hemp and wool clothing, you will gain a better understanding of how these people lived and leave with a clearer picture of their history.
Demystifying the Vikings and enhancing their roots
From the 8th to the 11th century, the Scandinavians were skilled craftsmen, traders and navigators. They were far from being barbarians, despite what some would have you believe.
One of the objectives of the future interpretation centre is to debunk the myths surrounding the Scandinavians and Vikings. You will be able to step through the looking glass and discover another world, less caricatured but just as extraordinary.
The interpretation centre also aims to encourage Normans to reconnect with the history of their region and their origins. It was Viking raids along the Seine that led to their settlement and the creation of Normandy.
Their presence was formalised in 911 by the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte. It was this treaty that gave rise to Normandy, then to a ducal and royal dynasty, with the reign of William the Conqueror.
Hosting permanent and temporary exhibitions
The permanent exhibition will trace the history of Scandinavian societies from the beginning of the Viking phenomenon around the 8th century to its end around the 11th century, including the founding of Normandy in the 10th century.
The exhibition will be as interactive as possible, featuring recreated objects, audiovisual projection areas, and digital installations. You will be immersed in a true virtual reality experience.
You will board a real Viking ship, to cross the seas. You will feel like a pirate or merchant navigator, reliving the thrills of adventure and embarking on a journey into to unknown.
Your visitor experience will be unique and exciting, filled with sounds, images, objects at your disposal, and immersive virtual realities. There will be no glass cases or distance between you and the Normans of that era!
Every year, you could discover new temporary exhibitions on the Vikings or the history of Normandy. They will showcase specific aspects or previously unseen archaeological objects, on loan from museums that have collections related to Viking history.
Offering a living space to suit your projects
But that's not all! Our interpretation centre will combine tradition and modernity. Inspired by Scandinavian architecture, it combines glass and metal and will offer many other services: a reception area, a restaurant and a digital documentation centre accessible to all.
We have decided to incorporate a reception room with a view of the historic park on the upper floor of the building. It will be available to hire for your receptions, seminars, conferences, or even group outings.
Its purpose will also be to welcome schools
The interpretation centre will reserve a special place for schoolchildren. We wish to establish numerous and solid partnerships with pupils and students in the region.
We provide facilities tailored to their needs: an educational room, craft workshops, appropriate mediation aids throughout the exhibitions, and innovative, clever and educational teaching materials.
Ornavik Park also attracts visitors of all ages and cultures from beyond the borders of Normandy. Reflecting the international reach of the Vikings, and given that Normandy welcomes many foreign tourists each year, we have ensured that multilingual translation facilities are part of our arsenal!
The interpretation centre remains focused on the park!
The interpretation centre will, of course, complement the historical park. It has been designed to enhance your experience and understanding of Norman culture. Its guiding principle will always be to provide you with the keys to better appreciate the park.
Before entering the park, our permanent exhibition provides chronological references and historical context for the Carolingian village and Scandinavian area.
Finally, one of the rooms will allow you to smoothly transition between the two spaces. Here, we will introduce you to the park and its history in a simple and educational manner, as well as experimental archaeology, our association, its objectives and its magnificent projects!
