JORVIK Story
Discover the JORVIK Story and explore how, over the past 40 years, JORVIK has revolutionized the heritage attraction experience. Bringing the past to life like never before, JORVIK has transformed how we connect with history.
Learn where it all began with the five-year archaeological excavation that uncovered York’s hidden Viking heritage. This pivotal dig revealed the city’s rich past, laying the foundation for what would become JORVIK Viking Centre.
JORVIK opened its doors for the first time, allowing visitors to come face to face with the Viking residents of York from over 1,000 years ago. It was a groundbreaking moment in heritage attractions.
In 2001, a new experience was introduced at the dawn of the new millennium. Visitors were taken back in time to explore Viking-age York in a way that had never been done before, blending history with interactive storytelling.
JORVIK returned to its archaeological roots with a significant update, featuring the Coppergate dig prominently within a new glass-floored gallery. This enhancement allowed visitors to view the original excavation site up close, deepening their connection to the discoveries made there.
Severe flooding in York during Christmas 2015 caused extensive damage to JORVIK Viking Centre. While this was a challenging time, it also sparked a re-imagining of the Centre, leading to innovative changes and new opportunities to tell the Viking story.
JORVIK Viking Centre was completely re-imagined in 2017, bringing with it new experiences and untold stories. This revitalized version of JORVIK reintroduced visitors to the Viking world with fresh perspectives and state-of-the-art exhibits.
2020 was a year the world will never forget, as the coronavirus pandemic brought much of daily life to a standstill. Like many, JORVIK faced unprecedented challenges but continued to find ways to engage and inspire even during lockdown.
2024 marked 40 years since JORVIK opened its doors. The year was filled with celebrations, including a new logo, walking tours, lectures, and a memorable winter adventure.