National Museum Temporary Exhibitions

The Emerging World - Map Treasures from the A. E. Nordenskiöld Collection, 26 April - 27 October 2013

The Emerging World - Map Treasures from the A. E. Nordenskiöld Collection

26 April - 27 October 2013

A. E. Nordenskiöld (1832-1901), from year 1878, photographer Ciacomo Bove. Photo: National Library of Finland.

Theatrum Orbis Terrarum from year 1570 has been called the world's first modern atlas. Compiled by Abraham Ortelius (1527-1598) in Antwerp, Netherlands.

Photo: National Library of Finland.

The exhibition covers the emerging view of the world, daring expeditions, rivalries among colonial powers, and the expeditions' effects on the accumulation of scientific knowledge. Nordenskiöld was born, studied, and began his researcher career in Finland. The exhibition also tells of his colourful life and accomplishments.

Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (1832-1901) made 10 research expeditions to the Arctic Ocean, and in 1878-1879 was the first explorer to sail through the Northeast Passage on a continuous trip. After preparing for his expeditions by studying old maps and travel accounts, Nordenskiöld gradually became interested in the history of cartography and was later a world famous pioneer in that field.

The National Library of Finland's A. E. Nordenskiöld collection is one of the world's most significant collections of old maps. The collection includes 24 000 maps printed before the year 1800. In 1997 the collection was included in UNESCO's Memory of the World register.
Read more about the Map Collection on the webpage of The National Library of Finland

Read more about the exhibition

The exhibition is associated with the International Conference on the History of Cartography (ICHC) held in Helsinki 30 June - 5 July 2013.

Publication The Emerging World - Map Treasures from the A. E. Nordenskiöld Collection, SKS, 2013. Written by Tapio Markkanen, Leena Miekkavaara, and Anna-Maija Pietilä-Ventelä describes the expansion of the geographical world image, A. E. Nordenskiöld's life, and his unique collection.
The lavishly illustrated trilingual (Finnish, Swedish, English) work published by the Finnish Literature Society SKS. 172 pages, price 47 e. For sale in the Museum Shop.

Exhibition organised by The National Library of Finland and the National Museum of Finland.
Content design and script Chief Intendant Jouni Kuurne National Museum of Finland, Professor Tapio Markkanen, M.Phil. Leena Miekkavaara and M.Phil. Anna-Maija Pietilä-Ventelä.

For further information please contact:
Chief Intendant Jouni Kuurne, National Museum of Finland, tel. + 358 (0)40 128 6381, jouni.kuurne(at)nba.fi;
Cultural Coordinator Inkeri Pitkäranta, National Library of Finland, tel. +358 (0)9 191 22738, (0)50 302 7238, inkeri.pitkaranta(at)helsinki.fi;
Curator Satu Frondelius, National Museum of Finland, tel. + 358 (0)40 128 6390, satu.frondelius(at)nba.fi

The exhibition is open at the National Museum of Finland from 26 April to 27 October 2013, in rooms 131-132 on the museum's 1st floor.
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