Roskilde 6: Viking Ship Virtual Reconstruction

Concept, design and development of interactive interfaces for the “Vikings: Beyond the Legend” traveling exhibit, centered on the digital reconstruction of the 122-foot Roskilde 6 longboat, the longest Viking ship ever found, available to the public as an Augmented Reality (AR) experience.

Client: MuseumsPartner Exhibit Producers

  • Visualizing the Viking Ship

    Visitors explored the simulation of the ship’s probable configuration in full scale via AR overlay and through an interactive kiosk, complete with animated rowing crew members and open/wrapped sail.

  • In-Gallery Experience

    The AR interface includes several hotspots with interesting information about the ship and the crew, and presents the virtual model being propelled by the wind or with animated crew members rowing the oars.

  • One 3D Model, Multiple Outputs

    The virtual Roskilde 6 was presented in augmented reality through iPads mounted on the exhibit space, and guests can further explore the 3D model in a touchscreen display. The reconstruction of the Viking ship was curated by the National Museum of Denmark.

Reconstructing Roskilde 6

Floating hotspots and animated rowing Vikings. Visitors learned about the ship's design and crew of around 78 rowers through a virtual window into the past

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Travelling the World with the "Beyond the Legend" Exhibit

The Roskilde 6 augmented reality experience and companion interactive kiosk started their journey in 2019 and were displayed around the United States and abroad in several world-class museums.

The AR components were featured in The New York Times article "Meeting Old Masters, Rowing With Vikings — in Augmented Reality"

  • Watch the Roskilde 6 interface in action

    Visitors of the travelling exhibit moved the tablets around to explore the overlay of the digital model on metal frame, which serves as visual reference for the longboat.

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  • Watch the kiosk interface in action

    An interactive kiosk showcased the virtual model, highlighting the same set of hotspots part of the AR experience. It was enriched with additional video clips portraying unforeseen perspectives of the ship at sea.