One of the most significant archeological discoveries of the Viking Age is now on display at Melbourne Museum.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is a collection of more than 100 rare and unique Viking Age artefacts, discovered by metal detectorists in southwest Scotland in 2014. The Hoard was likely buried around 900AD, when the region was in a state of mass upheaval.
The artefacts were discovered in four individual parcels, containing more than 5kg of silver bullion, gold, rock crystals and textiles, many of which had never been seen in Britain or Ireland before.
The process of decoding the stories and secrets hidden in the objects was undertaken by a group of experts from National Museums Scotland. This involved both archeological and conservation work, such as cleaning the artefacts and using cutting-edge research techniques to determine their uses.
Despite being found more than 10 years ago, the Galloway Hoard continues to offer new insights. In fact, earlier this year, a new translation of a runic inscription found on a 1,100 year-old arm ring provided more evidence about who owned and buried the Hoard.
According to Lynley Crosswell, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Museums Victoria, this exhibition is an exciting addition to the Melbourne events calendar.
“We are delighted to present one of the most significant European archeological discoveries of the century. This is a rare opportunity for our visitors to experience up close a time capsule of 1000-year-old objects from the Viking Age – a time in history that changed culture, politics and trade,” she says.
Over 90 objects are now on display in Melbourne Museum, as part of a travelling exhibition that first opened at the National Museums Scotland in Edinburgh in 2021.
Exhibition highlights
One of the most interesting discoveries of the Galloway Hoard is a rare rock crystal jar fitted with gold. It was found packed in a silver-gilt vessel, along with more of the most precious treasures in the collection.
Carved rock crystal was especially rare in early medieval Britain and Ireland, and the expertise required for the carving was not very common. The Galloway crystal appears to have been kept as a prized heirloom, originally as the top of a column, before being removed and turned upside down for use as a jar.
When researchers discovered the treasure, it was wrapped lavishly in three layers of linen, leather and decorated silk. This further indicates that the jar and its contents were viewed as a sacred relic.
Another unique find in the Galloway Hoard was a rare Pectoral cross, which was likely worn on the chest as a display of Christian belief. Interestingly, this one has a long silver wire chain coiled around the cross, suggesting it had only recently been used at the time of its burial.
The cross underwent deep cleaning and restoration upon discovery, revealing intricate symbols at the end of each arm in the Anglo-Saxon art-style known as Trewhiddle style.
Experience medieval wonder
Of course, these are just two examples of the beautiful and historically rich artefacts on display at Melbourne Museum.
The exhibition offers visitors a precious glimpse into the world of Viking-age Europe, its stories, and the research practices now revealing new insights.
Dr Martin Golbery, Principal Curator of Medieval Archeology & History at National Museums Scotland says, “The Galloway Hoard has repeatedly drawn international attention since its discovery. 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.”
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is open now until 26 January 2026. Tickets include museum entry.
To discover what else is on at Melbourne Museum, click here.
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