Polish interns at the Kon-Tiki Museum

April 2026 marked the start of a unique and inspiring chapter for two cultural anthropology students from the University of Gdańsk. Through an international collaboration between their Institute of Anthropology and the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo, Hanna Pajdosz and Jan Gałkiewicz have embarked on a two-week internship that combines academic learning with hands-on museum experience.

The partnership behind this opportunity was initiated two years ago by museum curator Reidar Solsvik, together with Filip Rogalski and Kacper Lewandowski.

From day one, the students have been immersed in a setting where history, exploration, and storytelling meet. Each morning, they pass the iconic Kon-Tiki raft on their way to work—a daily reminder of the curiosity and spirit of adventure that define the museum’s legacy, shaped by the expeditions of Thor Heyerdahl.

Under the guidance of the museum’s curator, Hanna and Jan are contributing to archiving and digitization projects, while also assisting in preparations for a new exhibition. Their work includes handling and cleaning archaeological artifacts from Heyerdahl’s expeditions, as well as editing a collection of 20th-century articles for the museum’s digital archive.

Among the objects they work with are original artifacts from the Kon-Tiki expedition itself. These include a telegraph key used for Morse code communication, a Bell & Howell film camera used to capture footage for the Oscar-winning documentary, and even the Oscar statuette awarded for the film. Working so closely with these items gives the students a tangible connection to history and a deeper understanding of Heyerdahl’s groundbreaking voyage to Polynesia.

The internship also involves hands-on exhibition work. The students have contributed to the placement and composition of artifacts, as well as lighting design, in a new exhibition about Heyerdahl’s early life. One highlight is the inclusion of Liv Heyerdahl and Thor Heyerdahl’s handwritten journal from Fatu Hiva.

Beyond conservation and archival work, the internship offers insight into the broader role of a cultural institution. Through interviews with museum staff, Hanna and Jan are gaining a deeper understanding of how museums preserve and communicate stories of exploration and discovery—from curatorial decisions to audience engagement.

For both students, the experience is more than an academic requirement. It is an opportunity to broaden their horizons—geographically, professionally, and intellectually. As they continue their internship, they are not only learning about history, but also becoming part of the ongoing effort to preserve and share it.

Hanna Pajdosz and Jan Gałkiewicz from The University of Gdańsk.