The Development of an Ecomuseum in Snorrastofa, Reykholt Progress report and plans for the future   The main objectives of Snorrastofa is to increase the role of Reykholt as cultural centre by promoting research on Snorri Sturluson´s life and works and medieval history of Reykholt, offering facilities for scholars and researchers, publishing a journal and books on medieval studies, organizing conferences and seminars on these topics and to disseminate the cultural heritage. This will, among other things, be done by building over the ruins of Snorri’s farm and creating new exhibitions by using various methods like multimedia, traditional installations and lectures.   These aims and objectives are a part of a 10-year strategy that is now being worked at. This whole project or the development of an ecomuseum in Reykholt, will not only increase research and dissemination of medieval history in Reykholt, but it can also have a sociological impact on the area and offer jobs and attract scholars and other guests.    Archaeological findings in Reykholt, some of them from the 13th century, have made all this possible. These findings have furthermore been the subject and inspiration of various research projects. The scholars first of all ask why did a major farm emerge at Reykholt, how did the farming community exploit local resources and to what extent did these activities affect the local landscape. The church and its function are studied and last but not least Reykholt generally as a chieftain’s seat and a cultural centre. The period that Snorri Sturluson resided at Reykholt receives special attention since this is what would on the whole be of most interest. One of the questions being asked is whether affluence or the wealth at Reykholt served as a pre-requisite to the creativity expressed by Snorri. Can such affluence be detected in the architecture and other archaeological remains? Was the affluence at Reykholt an isolated phenomenon created by Snorri Sturluson or was it part of a general economic trend?  How is Reykholt´s affluence related to events in other parts of Europe at around the same time?   The interest and the attempt to answer questions like these make the foundation of Snorrastofa’s future and it is on this foundation that the institution has to build on by making the cultural heritage much more accessible and attractive to visitors without loosing the authenticity of the place as a centre of medieval history and literature.   Below are blueprints of future buildings and detalied land-use plan in Reykholt on pdf files:   Detailed land-use of residence and extensions in Reykholt   Antiquities   Floorage - ground floor   Standing exhibitions - ground floor   Floorage - 1st. floor   Standing exhibition   Reykholt future arrangement   Next steps Reykholt as an Ecomuseum One of the main objectives of Snorrastofa is to develop and work further on the idea of an Ecomuseum in Reykholt. The aim is to integrate the history of Snorri Sturluson, archaeology, medieval literature and the history of the whole area, from medieval times to the present.  This so called Ecomuseum is meant to be a lively place, rooted on the Nordic cultural heritage with the emphasis of Snorri as a pillar of the medieval society in Iceland and Norway.   A New Exhibition Hall and Building over History! With this building the aim is to connect sites in the area with an underground tunnel, which will lead from new exhibition halls, where the idea is to emphasise on the 3D and multimedia exhibitions. Guests will be able to go through the congregation hall, which will still contain the exhibition of Snorri and medieval life in Reykholt, and to the shop and cafeteria and the three new exhibition halls to the archaeological site. In this way it will be possible for visitors to affiliate with history and sense the atmosphere of medieval times at Reykholt by going through the gloomy underground tunnel towards the ancient farm of Snorri Sturluson.   The same architect, who designed Snorrastofa, Garðar Halldórsson, has already made the first draft of the buildings. The preliminary work and preparations have been funded by: the Savings Bank of Mýrar County, Icelandic Parliament, The Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs in Norway (De norsk-islandske kulturmidler), The Institute of Regional Development in Iceland and The Ministry of Transportation in Iceland.     Snorri´s Hot Water Tub   Further construction in the area   Information / Paths. To make the whole area more attractive to tourists, it is important to improve paths and to put up information signs in the area.   Amphitheatre. When Snorrastofa was consecrated in 2000 a theatre was built in the place which now bears the name “Snorragarður” or the garden of Snorri. Unfortunately it had to be taken down but in the future the plan is to construct a similar theatre for special events.        Snorri´s Grave     Snorri´s Grave. It is also urgent to finish the work on the old graveyard and in the so-called “Sturlungareitur” where Snorri himself is believed to have been buried.   The Manuscript, Reykholtsmáldagi. To be able to exhibit the medieval manuscript “Reykholtsmáldagi” which is possibly the oldest documents preserved in the Nordic language.