A major international exhibition is set to open in Sydney later next month, bringing one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of recent years to the city. Titled Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard, the showcase will go on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum, marking its first presentation in Sydney. Offering a detailed look at life during the Viking Age, the collection has drawn international attention since its discovery in 2014 and is now being exhibited locally following previous showings in other Australian cities, including Adelaide and Melbourne. Here’s everything you need to know.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard opens in Sydney this May
The exhibition centres on the Galloway Hoard — a collection of valuables buried in southwest Scotland around AD 900 and rediscovered in 2014. On display are more than 90 rare objects, including gold and silver jewellery, arm rings, beads, brooches and a detailed silver vessel, many of which were carefully wrapped or stored together when they were buried. Some pieces are small and personal, like pendants and keepsakes, while others are larger and more decorative, showcasing the level of craftsmanship at the time.
Some items have been linked to regions as far as Central Asia, pointing to long-distance trade and movement across Europe at the time. Ongoing conservation has also revealed fine details, inscriptions and materials that were not visible when the hoard was first uncovered.
The exhibition also shows how the hoard was buried, with items placed in separate sections. Some were set aside on their own, while others were hidden inside containers, including a vessel filled with smaller objects. A number of pieces were wrapped in layers of fabric, which helped preserve materials that rarely survive from this period. Where certain items can’t be displayed, the exhibition uses digital reconstructions to show how they were originally stored and what they looked like in full.
Key details
Dates: May 28 to October 11
Location: Australian National Maritime Museum, Darling Harbour
Entry: Adults from $35; children (4–15) $25 (pricing may vary; check ahead)
Exhibition: 90+ Viking-age objects including gold, silver and rare materials
Origin: Discovered in southwest Scotland, buried around AD 900
Tickets are now available via the Australian National Maritime Museum website.
