CELTICNIGHT · The Celtic Night - On-site Presentation of Interdisciplinary Archaeological Research and Archaeological Science

The excellence research platform of the University of Vienna VIAS -Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science proposes the CelticNight, an on-site presentation of state-of-the-art interdisciplinary archaeological research and archaeological science on a 15 ha Celtic pre-urban site south of Vienna. The site provides an on-going international excavation using latest 3D laser scanners for complete digital documentation, a reconstructed part of the Celtic town integrated in a new archaeological park co-funded by the EC, an exhibition tower and a festival site with all infra-structure needed for mass events. Previous experience (10 years Celtic open-air festivals combining archaeology and music, the archaeological park, special children and family programs) proved to attract up to 8500 people per weekend. We intend to setup up a living archaeology experience for the audience, providing a research path integrating an excavation show-case, a field laboratory presenting Archaeological Science, experimental workshops focussing on Celtic production processes from rawmaterial to tools in action, a re-enactment of Celtic daily live in the reconstructed buildings, a movie stage presenting broadcasts and documentaries of previous on-site research ending up in the Celtovation music festival presenting bands performing music with Celtic roots. VIAS intends to present Archaeological Research and Science bringing together about 70 archaeologists, scientists, communal representatives, regional management and SME´s on one of the most important Celtic archaeological sites in Eastern Austria to popularise living archaeology. The planned activities will provide an additional impact on tourism and local economy, enforcing the importance of research and science for cultural tourism as a future concept for regional development.