Revamped Viking centre set to inspire a new generation

A 1m facelift which has been carried out to breathe new life into the popular attraction.

More than 15m visitors have passed through the centre's doors since it opened in 1984, and TV's Time Team presenter Tony Robinson will officially open the re-development today.

The centrepiece of the nine month overhaul is a new glass floored gallery which has part of the original Coppergate archaeological excavations underfoot.

Visitors will be able to see exactly how the Viking remains were discovered by archaeologists as they excavated the site on which the centre is built between 1976 and 1981.

Sarah Maltby, director of attractions at York Archaeological Trust, which owns the Jorvik Viking Centre, said: "When the centre opened 25 years ago, it really was quite unlike anything people had seen before.

"We want to make sure that the centre remains at the forefront of the tourism industry, and that is why we have invested so much money.

"Jorvik has a special place in so many people's hearts. Many visitors came when they were children, and now we want to inspire a new generation about the history of the Vikings here in York." Life-like animatronic models, which cost up to 45,000 each, have also been installed after they were transported on a 4,000-mile journey from Ohio where they were created by specialists at the US firm, Life Formations.

The new models include Sigurd the antler worker, Unni the woodworker, two Viking builders, an arguing couple and even a rat.

The centre's re-opening will kick-start the 25th annual Jorvik Viking Festival, which involves a week-long series of combat displays and events across the city from Sunday.