The Viking Ship Museum is a museum located in Bygdøy, Oslo, Norway. It is one of five museums operated by the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo. The museum houses three Viking ships that were discovered in the Oslofjord during the 19th century. Along with these ships, the museum also showcases a number of artifacts from the Viking Age.
The Viking Ship Museum was founded in 1926, when the three Viking ships, Gokstad Ship, Tune Ship, and Oseberg Ship, were moved to the museum from the University of Oslo's Botanical Garden. The ships were discovered in the Oslofjord during the 19th century, and were originally found in a burial mound at the Oseberg farm. The ships were moved to the museum in order to protect them from the elements, and display them to the public.
The Gokstad Ship is the largest of the three ships, and is believed to have been built around 890. It is a 24.1 meter long and 5.1 meter wide clinker built ship, and is the most intact Viking ship to have been discovered. It is believed to have been a warship, as it was found with a large number of weapons and tools for battle. The Tune Ship is the second largest of the three ships, and is believed to have been built around 900. It is a smaller version of the Gokstad Ship, and is 18.3 meter long and 4.3 meter wide. The Oseberg Ship is believed to have been built around 825, and is the smallest of the three ships. It is 16.1 meter long and 4.2 meter wide, and is believed to have been a ceremonial ship.
The museum also showcases a number of artifacts from the Viking Age, including swords, shields, tools, and jewelry. The museum also showcases a full-scale replica of the Gokstad Ship, which was built in 1932. The replica is made from oak, and is an exact replica of the original Gokstad Ship.
The museum also offers courses and special exhibitions, as well as lectures and educational programs. These courses and lectures are aimed at providing visitors with a better understanding of the Viking Age.
The museum also has an extensive library, with a large collection of books and manuscripts related to the Viking Age. The library is open to the public, and visitors can browse through the collection or borrow books.
The Viking Ship Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Norway, and attracts visitors from all around the world. The museum is open to visitors throughout the year, and offers an insight into the Viking Age and its culture. The museum is also a great place to learn more about the ships, artifacts, and the history of the Viking Age.