Earlier this month, we checked out Vikings: Beyond the Legend exhibit, which showcases the story of the explorers who set sail from Scandinavia centuries ago.

The Franklin Institute reveals how Vikings were skilled craftspeople, successful merchants, and farmers with vast reach across western Europe and beyond. The Institute brings the Viking Age to life through artifacts, multimedia, and interactive elements.   

The kids and I thought the best part of the exhibit was the Roskilde 6, the longest Viking warship ever discovered, which stands at 122-feet-long. A quarter of the original ship remains intact including most of the hull and inner timber. The Roskilde 6 was built to carry 100 warriors and their weapons almost 1,000 years ago.

We learned that Vikings are known for their legendary longships. These large ships made it possible for warriors and merchants to travel long distances quickly. This led to trade along the European coast and beyond, and conquests as distant as the Middle East and Asia.

Another highlight of the exhibit is the Jelling Stone. Considered by many historians to be Denmark’s official birth certificate, the Jelling Stone is a key landmark in Viking history. One of the earliest depictions of Christ in Scandinavia, the stone was the official declaration confirming Denmark as a Christian nation. The stone was carved at the order of King Harald Bluetooth around the year 965 CE.

We also learned about the day-to-day life of the Vikings, where most individuals spent their time on the farm making a living through agriculture. Typically, there were six to seven farms in a village; each farm would be part of the family’s longhouse. This house’s wooden structure resembled their longships. Longhouses spanned from 50 to 250 feet in length. With elongated fireplaces in their homes, these houses allowed for cooking and keeping warm in the frigid Scandinavian winters.

Vikings: Beyond the Legend only runs through March 3rd, so plan your visit soon. https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/vikings-beyond-legend

Purchase your tickets at fi.edu or call 215-448-1200.  

Image: The Franklin Institute