From December 26th 1996 to April 1st 1997 the National Museum will house the exhibition

MARGRETE I
REGENT OF THE NORTH
THE NORDIC UNION OF 1397

In 1997 we can celebrate the fact that it was 600 years ago that the three Nordic kingdoms of Denmark, Norway (including Iceland and Greenland) and Sweden (including Finland) were united in a political union under Queen Margrete I. This came about in the summer of 1397 at Kalmar Castle, when the young Erik of Pomerania, Margrete's adopted son, was crowned king of all three realms. The Kalmar Union lasted, apart from a few brief intervals, until 1521, and Denmark and Norway remained united until 1814.




The banners of the Kalmar union.

On the occasion of the 600th anniversary of the union the Nordic Council of Ministers will support a major exhibition which will be shown in four Nordic countries in turn. The exhibition is organized by the National Museum of Denmark where it will be shown from December 26th 1996. The patrons of the exhibition are Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, King Harald V of Norway, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and the Presidents of Finland and Iceland.

Based on Margrete I the exhibition portrays the period's cultural history and depicts one of the most significant women of the Middle Ages. Even though it was Erik of Pomerania who was crowned monarch of the three Nordic kingdoms, the union was Margrete's creation, and she was its actual ruler until her death in 1412.

The departure-point of the exhibition is a political event: the meeting in Kalmar in 1397. The power-structures involved in the kingdoms within the Nordic union will be sketched out and the original Union documents will be exhibited.

Margrete's election 1387. Rigsarkivet.

The contrasts of the period are sharp and eloquent. Magnificent but terrifying crucifixes from the mid 14th century, when the plague rampaged through the area and eliminated almost half the population, stand out in contrast to manuscripts offering charming and cheerful reports. Tools and everyday goods are displayed as well as refined and sumptous gold ornaments.

Two gold broches, with gems, about 1300. National Museum.

A section will focus on everyday garment as well as fine textiles including the magnificent dress which was once placed beside Margrete's grave in Roskilde, until it was taken away by Swedish mercenaries in 1659.

Margretes dress
ca. 1403-39
Uppsala Cathedral.


Now for the first time it has been permitted to leave its place in Uppsala Cathedral.

Furthermore the treasures of the church, and the art of the time, are illustrated in a selection of expressive and well-preserved works from the Nordic region and Northern Germany. Church silver, reliquaries and pilgrim badges all speak of the sacrifice people were prepared to make for the salvation of their souls.

Madonna from Nystad church,
beginning of 1500-th century.
National Museum of Finland.


The exhibition also portrays the Swedish saint, Birgitta of Vadstena, who had a strong impact on Margrete I and her time.

Treasure from Kirial ca 1365. National Museum.

The exhibition includes objects from more than 50 museums and institutions and thus promises an extensive display of the period.


Mail hood with scull, Visby 1361.
Statens historiska Museum, Stockholm.

For further information and photographs please contact Helle Damsgård: tel. +45 33 47 38 06, fax +45 33 47 33 30 or e-mail


Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10-17, Monday closed
The special exhibition is also open Wednesdays 17-21