<P> Graham Ibbeson created the lifelike mannequins used in the Jorvik experience . At first the faces of these mannequins were modelled from modern day people . Through advances in facial reconstruction technology eight new mannequins have been modelled through this process, which uses a low - powered laser beam and a video camera . These recreations were based on skulls found in a Viking age cemetery, although there is no guarantee that the skulls were Norse, and there is the possibility that they were Saxon . </P> <P> The centre also organizes an annual Viking Festival that takes place in the second week of February . The festival is set up in tradition of an ancient Viking festival known as "Jolablot". The festival includes Combat re-enactment involving volunteers from all over the world . </P> <P> Jorvik Viking Centre is not billed as a museum but as an "experience"; this type of educational representation of the past, known as a "Time Warp" experience, has become increasingly popular with the creation of Jorvik . It inspired other such sites as the "Canterbury Pilgrims Way" where visitors can join Geoffrey Chaucer's pilgrimage . </P> <P> The centre was significantly affected by the flooding in Northern England in December 2015 with extensive water damage to the building and exhibits . The most valuable Viking artifacts were moved to prevent damage . The museum reopened on 8 April 2017 . </P>

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