Discover the Galloway Hoard, one of the most significant Viking Age discoveries ever found from the United Kingdom, right here in Melbourne. Found in southwest Scotland in 2014, the Hoard was buried around AD 900 during a time of upheaval in the region. This treasure trove of jewellery and unique objects offers a fascinating insight into this period of time. Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is on display at Melbourne Museum from now until Monday January 26.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard
This magnificent collection was discovered by metal detectorists, and was found in four distinct parcels. The Hoard contains over 5kg of silver bullion, gold, rock crystals and textiles, and offers a glimpse into the people, culture, trade and political structures of early medieval Europe.
A team of experts from National Museums Scotland led the conservation work and research. New insights have been made as recently as February this year, when a new translation of a runic inscription on a 1,100-year-old arm ring revealed the mystery of who owned and buried the Hoard.
“The Galloway Hoard has repeatedly drawn international attention since its discovery, and we are delighted to bring it to Melbourne,” said Dr Martin Goldberg, Principal Curator, Medieval Archaeology & History, National Museums Scotland. “The exhibition contains a spectacular and varied selection of material, with intricate detail revealed through extensive conservation work. It also showcases the results of nearly a decade’s worth of dedicated research which has enabled us to understand and reveal so much more about the Galloway Hoard and its international medieval context.”
To celebrate the opening of this incredible exhibition, visitors will have a chance to hear from Dr Adrián Maldonado, a Galloway Hoard Researcher at National Museums Scotland, in an insightful conversation on Saturday August 30. Dr Maldonado will also host pop-up talks about the people, culture and trade of the Viking Age on August 30 and 31.
This exhibition made its debut at the National Museums Scotland in Edinburg in 2021. After that, it toured Scotland, stopping at Kirkcudbright Galleries and Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Learn more about the exhibition and get your tickets here.