Recapture of Viborg Castle

In contrast to Tyrgils Knutsson's capture of Viborg in 1293, this was a peaceful invasion in the form of an exhibition by 24 artists from Viborg's Swedish twin town Nyköping.

Twinning between Viborg and Nyköping was set up in 1997, and has so far resulted in a number of projects ranging from school democracy, women's role in politics, humanitarian aid and cooperation between schools and young people. A couple of projects have also been cultural. Recently, 14 Russian musicians took part in performance of Brahms Requiem together with the Nyköping Philharmonic Society. Another cultural project is the exchange between Russian and Swedish artists. Last autumn, a group of artists from Viborg exhibited at Nyköping Town Hall and, in return, Swedish artists have now been invited to show their works at Viborg castle.

After careful preparations at home, a Nyköping delegation travelled in advance to hang pictures and arrange sculptures, designs, tapestries and photographs in the best possible way. Helped by Russian artists, the result looked great in time for the opening. The works of art showed up well in the beautiful Great Hall, and the exhibition "Art in all Forms" seemed a highly suitable name. The exhibition was opened by the consul-general May Andersson from the Consulate General of Sweden in St Petersburg, after speeches by Viborg's deputy mayor Alexander Kostenko and Lasse Hedlund from the Nyköping local authority. Around 80 appreciative Viborg citizens attended the opening, together with representatives from TV, radio and press.