Opening of the exhibition Ragnar Thorseth – LIVE LIFE.
Many people know that Roald Amundsen flew over the North Pole with Umberto Nobile in 1926. But fewer people remember the name of the first Norwegian to reach the North Pole on the sea ice and set foot on the pole itself. It was Ragnar Thorseth who did it.
But it is probably not widely known. The Ishavsmuseet wanted to do something about it. Last winter, Webjørn Landmark at the Ishavsmuseet approached Ragnar Thorseth with a question about creating an exhibition of material from the trip to the North Pole, since 2012 also marked 30 years since they reached it.
This summer, Ragnar Thorseth decided to donate the equipment from all his expeditions to the Ishavsmuseet.
He has done so much more than just the trip to the North Pole, says CEO of Ishavsmuseet Webjørn Landmark. Most of the equipment is now stored in a garage at Thorseth's home. Now the items and photos are collected in a separate room in Ishavsmuseet. This makes it easier for anyone interested to gain insight into everything that Thorseth has been involved in. And Ishavsmuseet is a richer attraction.
The exhibition Ragnar Thorseth – a life lived, opened on October 12th with invited guests in attendance.
The season at the Ishavsmuseet is over for this year, but Webjørn Landmark informs that the museum will be open extra every day from October 13th to 21st.
In recent days, there has been hectic activity at the Ishavsmuseet to get the extensive collection ready for the opening.
-I must clarify that I was asked. And I think it's an honor. Yes, it's almost like receiving the St. Olav's medal, says the main character himself.
Thorseth adds that he thinks it's a good idea to collect the artifacts from his expeditions in one place, so that new generations can gain an insight into what he has been involved in.
And of course the museum management agrees.
By the start of the season on May 1st next year, the rest of the equipment from Thorseth's expeditions will be in place in the museum. Among the effects will be items from the first rowing trip to Shetland in 1969, trips with Saga Siglar, through the Northwest Passage, the North Pole expedition, winterings and much more.
But first, the first part will be on display next week. The museum management hopes for a good turnout these days and is also offering dinner on Sundays.
The exhibition has been fantastic, concludes CEO Webjørn Landmark
The exhibition will be open Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October from 12-17. Monday to Friday 11-16 and Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st October from 12-17. Sunday dinner, coffee and cakes
