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Millenium Logo millenium, 2027 europeean year of Normands 1027-2027
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Denmark and Norway

Denmark and Norway share a special connection with Normandy, as Viking populations are at the origin of the Normans' Nordic roots. It was the Viking chief Rollo who founded Normandy in the 10th century, becoming its first duke. Furthermore, the figure of Emma de Normandie also bears witness to these close ties: queen of England before William the Conqueror, she was also queen of Denmark and Norway.

As part of Millenium, cooperation between Normandy, Denmark and Norway is being structured around a rich, multidisciplinary programme, combining contemporary art, scientific research, heritage and educational exchanges.

The Normandy Region has thus developed structural partnerships with major institutions in both countries, such as the Glyptotek in Copenhagen and the National Museum in Oslo, as well as important contemporary art galleries. These collaborations will enable the circulation of works and artists, particularly as part of the contemporary art trail and within Norman art centres.

At the same time, several scientific and heritage projects will further deepen the historical links between Vikings and Normans, through conferences, historical re-enactment events and research projects. Lastly, artistic and educational initiatives, including choreographic projects, residencies and school exchanges, will help embed this cooperation within a lasting European dynamic, grounded in shared heritage and cultural innovation.

Among the main actions:

  • Choreographic project "Emergence": a Franco-Danish creation combining dance, visual arts and performance between Normandy and Copenhagen.
  • Cross exhibitions on ceramics: presentation of the work of Bente Skjøttgaard at the Clay Museum in Middelfart (Denmark), echoed by an exhibition at Fontaine-Guérard Abbey (Normandy).
  • Series of scientific conferences: meetings devoted to the links between Vikings and Normans at the Moesgaard Museum (Aarhus), in partnership with Aarhus University.
  • July 2027 – Viking Moot Festival: Norman participation in a major Viking gathering featuring historical re-enactments and international cooperation.
  • Educational programmes: school exchanges and educational pathways focused on Norman history in Europe.
  • Development of a trail on textile art in connection with the Mobilier National.
  • Viborg – Jelling – Rouen project: promotion of the Jelling Stone and cultural cooperation, linked to the European "Destination Viking" network.

Norwegian component

  • May 2027 – National Museum of Oslo: conferences on the iconographic links between the Norwegian Baldishol Tapestry and the Bayeux Tapestry.
  • Artistic installation by Per Barclay at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo.
  • Exhibition on textiles (embroidery and tapestry) in collaboration with the Mobilier National and the Soft and OSL Contemporary galleries.
  • Residencies for Norman artists at the Fossekleiva centre (Berger) and exhibition at the Berger Museum (July 2027).
  • FIF – International Puppet Festival dedicated to the partner territories of Millenium 2027.

Together, these initiatives strengthen the historical ties between the territories involved, offering a contemporary and European re-reading of the Viking and Norman heritage.