Orkney’s Norse roots have never felt closer than they do inside the newly transformed galleries of The Orkney Museum, where an immersive, world-class Viking exhibition is set to open on Saturday 10 May.
Visitors are invited to step into the heart of the islands’ rich Norse heritage, through a permanent display that blends ancient treasures, interactive storytelling, and one very remarkable digital guide.
At the centre of this groundbreaking project stands Ragna, the UK’s first AI-powered Viking character, who will share tales of everyday life in Orkney a thousand years ago.
Crafted with extraordinary care and authenticity, Ragna’s story is the work of local storyteller and museum stalwart Tom Muir alongside archaeologist Dr Siobhan Cooke-Miller, ensuring that her voice rings true with the island’s unique character and historical depth.
The exhibition owes its existence to a generous legacy from a former Orkney resident who made a new life in Australia but left his heart in the islands.
His express wish was to support the preservation and celebration of Orkney’s Viking heritage, and that wish has blossomed into something truly special.
“This exhibition not only brings history to life but also reconnects our community with its Viking past,” said Nick Hewitt, Team Leader for Culture at Orkney Islands Council.
Local craftspeople, archaeologists, and historians have worked side by side to create a display that feels rooted in Orkney, while embracing technology to connect new generations with their history.
In addition to Ragna’s lively conversations, the exhibition features rotating displays of Norse artefacts from both local collections and the National Museum of Scotland, hands-on activities where visitors can try their hand at Viking trade, and sleek new interpretation panels designed to breathe new life into old tales.
Dr Cooke-Miller describes the impact of the exhibition as both profound and emotional.
“Our Viking and Norse past has shaped Orkney’s identity in ways we see every day, from our place names to our language,” she said.
“This exhibition lets us meet that past face to face, and thanks to the generosity of James Groundwater, it’s something the people of Orkney can truly call their own.”
Councillor Gwenda Shearer, who chairs the committee overseeing Culture Services, says the team has pulled out all the stops.
“This is a once-in-a-generation overhaul of galleries showcasing one of the most intriguing aspects of our heritage,” she said.
“It’s a gift that will keep giving for years to come, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
To celebrate the opening, the museum will host preview events on Saturday 10 May, including guided tours and Q&A sessions with the team behind the exhibition at 11am and 2pm.
A national launch is planned for later in the year, but for now, the spotlight belongs to Orkney — and to the Vikings who never truly left.
