A Journey Through Time at Moesgaard Museum

During the COVID-19 pandemic, with borders closed and international travel off the table, I seized the opportunity to revisit one of my favorite museums in Denmark: Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus.

Since its stunning new building opened in 2014, Moesgaard has set a high standard in both architecture and exhibitions, rivaling any museum I have visited worldwide. As you enter, a grand staircase leads you down to the permanent exhibition, where lifelike models of our ancient ancestors await, immersing you in a journey through history.

The permanent exhibit focuses on Denmark’s Bronze and Iron Ages, utilizing a blend of text and audio-visual narration. The dim lighting creates a haunting atmosphere that enhances the experience without becoming uncomfortable, perfectly complementing the artifacts on display.

Grauballemanden

Bound for disaster - Pompeii and Herculaneum

A temporary exhibition at Moesgaard

During my visit, I was fortunate to explore the temporary exhibition, ‘Bound for Disaster,’ which features artifacts from the ancient Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Both cities were tragically buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

The subdued lighting in the exhibition can pose challenges for photography, but it also deepens the somber mood, echoing the tragic events it recounts. Visitors are welcomed by a ship’s ram at the entrance, belonging to a Roman galley that sank in the disaster. Remarkably, a piece of wood still clings to it, a poignant reminder of the past.

As I moved through the exhibit, I learned about the daily lives of the ancient Romans— their homes, workshops, and society. The journey culminates in a dark room, where a starry ceiling contrasts starkly with the somber topic. Here, you find the molds of the victims entombed in ash, their bodies decayed over time, leaving voids that archaeologists have filled with plaster, creating haunting casts of their final moments.

Moesgaard Museum not only offers an engaging introduction to ancient Denmark through its compelling audio-visual experiences but also showcases world-class temporary exhibitions. If you find yourself near Aarhus in Jutland, a visit to Moesgaard is an absolute must!