This exhibition marked the 200th anniversary of the modest beginnings of Norwegian emigration to the United States. Featuring artefacts from the National Library of Norway, it explored the motivations, misconceptions, and fears of 19th-century Norwegians embarking on the journey—and the often harsh reality of arriving in an unfamiliar land and attempting to build a new life.
Using printed voiles to create large-scale imagery and an aurora-inspired motif, we designed a dreamlike environment that captured the hopes, illusions, and aspirations of those first travellers. At the centre of the space, a glowing lightbox displayed facsimiles of key archival material, framed by a soft, orb-like glow. This ethereal lighting contributed to the immersive atmosphere, washing the space with shifting colour and light.
The layered visuals and translucent materials reflected both the promise and uncertainty of venturing into the unknown. The typographic approach drew inspiration from early Americana woodblock prints, reinforcing the period character and visual language of the time.
3D design: Plaid
Lighting: National Library of Norway
Exhibition build: National Library of Norway
Graphic production: Konsis & Displayways
157sqm