In commemoration of Oslo’s 400th anniversary (OSLOBYEN JUBILEUM 1624-2024), a new, fully interactive, and explorable virtual model of Akershus Castle and Fortress, as it appeared in the 17th century, has been developed. The model is based on extensive historical, archaeological, and architectural research, ensuring a high degree of accuracy.
The project was installed in the Visitor Center at Akershus Fortress, as a permanent exhibit, at the end of July 2024. This digital reconstruction was meticulously crafted using Unreal Engine 5.3, allowing users to navigate the historic site and engage with its architecture in a dynamic way, complete with integrated audio commentary.
The project was realized through extensive research into historical, archaeological, and architectural documentation, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. This process was further enhanced through expert guidance provided by Akershus historian and curator, Tom Andersen.
Initially, the project was installed in a temporary location and eventually moved to the back of the gallery. The smaller screen shows a film illustrating the historical aspect of the installation, and under the larger screen, there is a controller.
Regarding the statistics system installed in AKERSHUS 1624-1648, an average of around 20 people have played it daily since its installation, totaling 2,000 players in 2024. The exhibition is permanent, so I expect the number of players to be around 5,000 over the next year.
The model offers a unique opportunity to experience Akershus Fortress as it was during a pivotal period in its history. The accompanying educational video, “Akershus 1524 – 1648,” researched and directed by Maureen Thomas, provides crucial historical context for the fortress’s evolution during this transformative era. This film, shown on a separate screen, utilizes a rich tapestry of moving images, including period paintings, coins, maps, and 3D animations, to vividly portray the lives of the individuals who lived and worked within the fortress walls, creating a fuller picture of the historic environment. Both the interactive virtual model and the accompanying film are exhibited at the Akershus Castle and Fortress Visitor Centre, commencing on September 6th, 2024.
The creation of this virtual model was made possible by the generous support of the Oslo Kommune Kulturetaten Jubilee fund, grant number KUL-D157-XNYZ. This fund was established to support projects that commemorate the 400th anniversary of Oslo’s founding in 1624.
The OSLOBYEN JUBILEUM 1624-2024 program included a variety of events and activities, such as exhibitions, concerts, performances, and educational programs and was a collaboration between various cultural institutions and organizations in Oslo, with the goal of celebrating the city’s past, present, and future…
This website showcases further an interactive 3D model of Akershus Castle and Fortress https://akershus1648.extendedmedia.no.