Aarhus proposes new Viking museum project worth 500 million kroner for city center

Aarhus, one of the earliest cities in Viking Age Scandinavia, has a rich history that has largely gone untold. City officials are now advocating for the establishment of a new museum to showcase this history, relocating it from a basement beneath the Nordea bank to a prominent square in the city center.

Mads Kähler Holst, director of Moesgaard Museum, emphasizes the transformative impact of the Viking Age, stating that as Viking ships opened up new horizons, cultural exchanges began. Together with Anne Mette Boye, Aarhus’ city architect, he has proposed a grand project worth 500 million kroner for a new Viking museum on Bispetorvet.

Boye believes the museum’s location is crucial for revitalizing the urban squares. She points out that the current state of Bispetorvet is subpar and that a new museum could enhance the public space around the cathedral, making it more inviting. Holst concurs, noting that improving Bispetorvet will create a more pleasant environment for residents.

Aarhus City Council is set to discuss the vision, with two councilors—Nicolaj Bang, responsible for technical and environmental issues, and cultural councilor Rabih Azad-Ahmad—championing the project in upcoming budget negotiations. Bang envisions the museum blending beautifully with the historic surroundings, attracting both residents and tourists.

The council is considering allocating 8.3 million kroner for preliminary studies, community engagement, and an international architectural competition. An analysis suggests that the new Viking museum could attract 320,000 to 390,000 visitors annually. If approved, the museum could be completed in seven to nine years, with potential archaeological excavations and construction set to begin in 2028, aiming for an opening in 2032.