Exhibition
In the centuries following the Viking Age, Norse customs, Christianity, and traditions from Antiquity meet, and the origins of what we know as Norway begin to emerge. Medieval Norwegians speak the Old Norse language, calling the country they live in Noregr.
The Norwegian Middle Ages cover a 500-year period, from the middle of the 11th century to the first half of the 16th century. Archaeologists and researchers are constantly making new discoveries that shed light on life in this period. In the exhibition you will find selected objects that originate from the latest excavations in Oslo, and discover stories about the Norwegian Middle Ages that have not often been told.
The Medieval Kitchen – New Flavors in Town
In the Middle Ages, the culinary culture of towns became influenced by the Middle East and Central Europe. Learn how the aromas of saffron, pepper, and cinnamon mingled with local ingredients, and discover how sourdough became a favourite while herbs and spices took on new roles.
As people moved to the city, they brought with them the art of cultivating fruits and vegetables. Farmers and fishermen from the surrounding areas provided meat, fish, and butter, while German and English merchants supplied exotic ingredients from the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean. They also brought steady supplies of rye, malt, and beans from the continent. Meanwhile, porridge still simmered in many homes.
In the exhibition, you can see a varied collection of historical artifacts, offering insights into the culinary culture of the Middle Ages. Many of the items have never been exhibited before.
The Knight – Norway in Europe
In 2015, archaeologists found a beautiful pewter figure of a knight on horseback while excavating the Follo line in Oslo. Is it a toy? or perhaps a souvenir that someone brought back from abroad?
In the Middle Ages, European impulses spread north quickly, and the Norwegian society changed accordingly. Although there were not many knights in Norway, the knight still became an important role model. Knights were appointed by the king to be faithful warriors on horseback who would serve both God and society. He must be brave, knowledgeable and restrained, even when he falls in love. He always behaves courtly.
The Jester – New stories
The first cities emerge, and the marketplace, the assembly, the church and the tavern become central meeting places to hear stories, legends and news. Stories about saints, knights and mythical beasts are educational and entertaining at the same time. The written word now takes on greater importance, but oral storytelling lives on in the spirit of the jester.
In the church, images are used to show the right way to live. At the same time, people still carve runes on sticks and bones to share jokes and gossip, or to ask for God’s help.
Exhibition credits
- Exhibition design: Manthey Kula
Museum project team:
- Project owner: Toril Rokseth
- Curator: Marianne Vedeler, Karoline Kjesrud
- Project manager: Knut Listerud
- Education and public outreach: Martin Hager-Saltnes
- Conservation: Pia K. Edqvist, Kaja Kollandsrud, Linn Kristin Solheim, Line C. Petzold, Rachel Altpeter
- Collections managers: Silje Opdahl Mathiesen, Dag Erik Færø Olsen, Kathryn Etta Sæther
- Graphic design: Johnny Kreutz
- Photo: Ellen C. Holte
- Communications team: Øivind Gulliksen, Tea Kristiansen, Karoline Dowson, Ida Marie Bjørknes Gaarder
- Exhibition technicians: Henrik Lorentzen, Hugo Strand, Inge Bugge Knudsen
