Reykjavík Grapevine - 05.10.2007, Qupperneq 23

26 | Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 16 2007 | Places Places | Reykjavík Grapevine | Issue 14 2007 | 27
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In 2001, an archaeological excavation in Aðalstræti
led to the discovery of an ancient longhouse dat-
ing from around 871 AD (plus or minus two years.)
This longhouse is believed to be one of the first
houses built in Reykjavík. The decision was made
to open a museum on the site and preserve the
remains for generations to come and in the mean-
time enlighten the public about this cultural herit-
age. The exhibition, entitled ‘The Settlement Exhibi-
tion,’ opened in 2006.
Extensive research was done to make the ex-
hibition as educational as possible and the result is
quite impressive. The newest multimedia technol-
ogy is used to shed light on the way the early set-
tlers lived and worked during the Viking-ages, why
the settlers chose to settle in Reykjavík of all places,
and how they lived and spread around. Several
items found at archaeological sites in the centre
are displayed with the ancient longhouse ruins as a
centrepiece. The 3D models, touch screens and vid-
eos add a whole lot of fun to the experience and
you can even view on a large TV screen how the
longhouse was most likely constructed. The newest
addition to the museum is a recently opened ex-
hibition that explains the preservation of the long-
house site.
Reykjavik 871±2 is part of the Reykjavík City
Museum and is aimed to preserve the country’s
cultural heritage. In 2006, the museum won the
NODEM Award for the Best Design of Digital Expe-
riences in Museums in the Nordic countries and
won the Icelandic Museum Award the same year.
Reykjavík City Museum is also nominated for the
European Museum of the Year Award 2008 for the
new Settlement Exhibition.
The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00
Reykjavík 871±2
My Spot: Skúlatorg
“Between Laugavegur and Reykjavík’s
financial district, just a few meters from
the Central Bus Station you will find this
oasis in the desert. The best kept secret
in 105.”
Eldar Ástþórsson is the festival manager for the Iceland
Airwaves music festival.
Aðalstræti 16
101 Reykjavík
Tel.: 411 6370
www.reykjavikmuseum.is
Photo by Guðmundur Ingólfsson