KUU, Alm.del - 2018-19 (1. samling) - Bilag 14: Henvendelse af 23/10-18 fra Vikingeskibshallen i Roskilde om deres pressemeddelelse: "Fra ICOMOS Danmark i anledning af planerne om at nedrive Vikingeskibshallen i Roskilde. International organisation udsender heritage alert mod Vikingeskibshallen i Roskilde"

Kulturudvalget 2018-19 (1. samling)
KUU Alm.del Bilag 14
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International Scientific Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage

October 22, 2018

Museums director Tinna Damgaard-Sørensen &

Mayor Joy Mogensen, president of the museum board

Vikingeskibsmuseet,

Vindeboder 12

4000 Roskilde, Danmark

Att. Vikingeskibsmuseets bestyrelse

Mail: [email protected], [email protected]

cc. Kulturministeriet/ Minister of Culture Mette Bock

Nybrogade 2,

1203 København, Danmark

Mail: [email protected]

Heritage in Danger: Vikingeskibshallen, Sankt Clara Vej 41, 4000 Roskilde

Dear Mrs. Director and Mrs. President of Vikingeskibshallen.

It was with great concern that the ICOMOS International Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage (ISC20C)

learnt of the Danish Ministry of Culture’s decision (August 29, 2018) to remove the Protected Status of the

Vikingeskibshal (Viking Ship Hall), Roskilde, and that the Museum is now, according to a letter dated

13.09.2018 to the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Danish Parliament, planning to demolish the building in

order to build a replacement.

While recognizing that the structural deterioration of the Viking Ship Hall has reached a technically critical

stage, we believe that the pending decision to demolish the building will constitute the loss of an

internationally recognized architectural masterpiece.

The delisting will damage Denmark’s reputation as a state that has always promoted and been proud of the

quality of its modern architecture and its international cooperation on modern heritage. Apart from the loss to

architecture and heritage, the decision will be seen as a significant failure of Denmark’s widely acknowledged

social commitment to legislation for the protection and long-term conservation of its cultural heritage and

historic sites of all periods, ancient and modern.

The Viking Ship Hall – a Danish masterwork

Erik Christian Sørensen’s Viking Ship Hall, constructed between 1966 and 1969, is a masterwork of modern

Danish architecture from a period considered to be the Golden Age of Danish Architectural Tradition.

The exterior is defined by a simple, finely wrought and elegant concrete structure in a very beautiful and

deliberately chosen position in the landscape – directly on the shore of the inner Roskilde Fjord. The building

forms a perfect setting and aesthetic framework for the display of the five outstanding Viking ships excavated

from Skuldelev in Roskilde Fjord.

Without showing as much as a single piece wood in the building itself, Sørensen succeeded in ensuring that

the building structure and ships complement and supplement each other. The Viking ships' excellent oak

140 S. Dearborn Street, Suite 306, Chicago, IL 60603 USA

[email protected]

KUU, Alm.del - 2018-19 (1. samling) - Bilag 14: Henvendelse af 23/10-18 fra Vikingeskibshallen i Roskilde om deres pressemeddelelse: "Fra ICOMOS Danmark i anledning af planerne om at nedrive Vikingeskibshallen i Roskilde. International organisation udsender heritage alert mod Vikingeskibshallen i Roskilde"

wood technology and their elegant forms are displayed and experienced with exceptional clarity and without

competition. At the same time, the visible imprint of the wooden shuttering boards demonstrates the use of

wood in a modern and equally qualified manner.

The Viking Ship Hall – heritage with high international significance

The importance of the Viking Ship Hall for Danish architectural tradition is demonstrated by the fact that it

was the first modern building that was listed in Denmark. The listing was justified on the grounds that the

Museum 'represents, in its entirety and landscaping, the excellent architectural values that can justify the

listing of a building under the age of 100’ years (according to the listing letter of 1997).

Internationally, the Viking Ship Hall stands out as a unique structure that integrates museum, setting and

archaeology in a way that transcends historic definitions. Building, ships and landscape interact with the

narrative of ancient and modern building technology, art and mythology. The Viking Ship Hall is thus a

uniquely important and specific Danish contribution to a globally recognised assemblage of outstanding

modern buildings.

International concern

If the Viking Ship Hall is to be demolished, Denmark and the international community will lose an unique and

outstanding Danish architectural masterpiece. A historical monument that is strongly based in the

internationalism and humanism that formed Danish architects after the WWII and still influences the

architecture of Denmark.

The ICOMOS International Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage (ISC20C) regards the decision and the

argument used in support of delisting the Viking Ship Hall with the gravest concern. A modern building, no

less than any older building, may require costly repair, restoration and special maintenance. The structural

issues that have arisen as a result of the choice of building material components are not reasonable grounds on

which to base a decision to lift the protected status.

The cited issue of the rising water levels, and the problems that have resulted to the Viking Ship Hall’ s

structure are being experienced in many places around the world (Venice is an obvious example).

We consider the Viking Ship Hall a socio-economic resource

Acknowledging that it is not possible to reverse the decision to de-list the Viking Ship Hall, the ISC20C hereby

strongly appeals to the Museum to reconsider its decision and, instead, to accept that the building is of such

international importance that it constitutes a unique and valuable resource for the development of the

museum and its environment in the future. From a long-term socio-economic perspective, further

conservation of the hall’s structure is a possibility. It can demonstrate best practice in conservation and

develop the Viking Ship Museum as a site of significant historical and social integrity.

The conservation of the building is not a technical impossibility. The technical and materials expertise

required can be readily sourced. ICOMOS will be happy to advise in this regard.

In view of the Viking Ship Hall’s international significance, it should also be possible to access international

funding interest and support. The ISC20C can offer its significant support in and recommendation in any

applications for international support for future restoration.

The circular harbour that newly have been put forward as a proposal for securing the Viking Ship Hall are also

worthy of mention. It not only offers the required protection against future storms and rising water level in the

inner fjord but could also develop the existing creative dialogue between both ancient and modern history.

ISC20C also notices that the proposal is fund-financed, proving that there is probably an interest and

opportunity to raise funds in Denmark.

A possibility could also be to move the building, like the Vilhelm Lauritzen Airline Terminal in Copenhagen in

reinforced concrete from 1939, in 1999 was cut over and moved 3.8 km on inter-connected lorries, with great

success. Here a much shorter distance is necessary.

ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage

The world looks to Denmark for inspiration in modern architecture, design and excellence in heritage

conservation practice. The conservation and restoration of the Viking Ship Hall is not only a question of

significant cost; the restoration provides an obvious opportunity to demonstrate the quality of Danish

expertise and underpin Denmark's existing reputation within the technical arena of concrete construction

repair and conservation.’

We therefore strongly urge you preserve the Viking Ship Hall for the future in respect of the outstanding

heritage significance this landmark presents.

Sincerely,

Thomas “Gunny” Harboe, FAIA

President, ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage

ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage