Vikings!

This autumn, the Melbourne Museum will host the largest collection of Viking artefacts to ever be displayed in Australia. By Rose Johnstone & Rebecca Russo

Norse work if you can get it – Melbourne Museum’s spree of Scando relics

THERE’S MORE TO the Scandinavian seafarers than stories of savagery. Vikings:

Beyond the Legend is an exhibition from the Swedish History Museum featuring more than 500 artefacts from one of history’s most fascinating (and misunderstood) civilisations. It’s a deep dive into the domestic life, rituals and beliefs of the Viking people, who raided and traded across Northern Europe from the eighth to the 11th centuries and left an indelible mark on European culture. Among the exhibition’s treasures is an eight-metre replica of a Viking boat and the skeletal remains of a ship with hand-forged nails still intact. And while Chris Hemsworth might not be making an appearance, you will be able to get up close to Thor’s hammer pendants, plus thousand-year-old swords and pieces of intricate jewellery.

Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton 3053. 131 102. museumsvictoria.com.au. Daily 10am-5pm. $0-$28. Mar 23-Aug 26.