Ecomuseum in ReykholtThe concept, Ecomuseum, has been defined in various ways, depending on the environment, culture and history involved. The history of churches and religious practice in Reykholt goes back to the earliest days of Christianity in Iceland.Thereforethe idea of an ecomuseum in Reykholt will mainly build on that fact as well as the life and work of the medieval poet and writer Snorri Sturluson. The concept of an ecomuseum in Reykholt has not yet been clearly defined but the possibilities are almost endless. This work has to be done in coordination with the National Museum and the Archaeological Heritage Agency of Iceland, which has the supervision of the old timber church and the archaeological site and with the local communities.
Below are blueprints of future buildings and detalied land-use plan in Reykholt on pdf files:
In the future the plan is to build over the archaeological site and make it more available for the public without transferring the archaeological findings from their original site apart from smaller artefacts which will be preserved in the National Museum. This building or set of buildings will connect Snorrastofa, the old farm and the archaeological findings, and Snorri´s hot water tub with underground tunnels and exhibitions halls. Medieval hot water installation near the old farm and a smithy, which has recently been discovered under the old timber church, will also be made accessible. With this building the plan is to connect sites in the area with underground tunnel, which will lead to new exhibition halls. In this hall hall the emphasis will be on 3D technology and multimedia exhibitions. Guests will be able to go from there into the now existing exhibition hall, which will contain the exhibition of Snorri and medieval life in Reykholt and from there to the church or to the archaeological site. In this way it will be possible to be at one with history, not only by reading and observing but also by feeling the atmosphere and be influenced by medieval times at Reykholt. The general idea of an ecomuseum is of a museum without walls. Although the plan is to build over the archaeological findings and increase the exhibitions space, a great care will be laid on the surroundings and the geographical situation of Reykholt. An Ecomuseum in Reykholt increases the possibilities of dissemination of medieval literature and history of Snorri Sturluson as a part of the European cultural heritage. |