Following highly acclaimed presentations in Scotland and England, Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard will be the first opportunity to view this unique collection of treasures outside of Britain.

Discovered in 2014 near Balmaghie, in southwest Scotland[BB1] , The Galloway Hoard is considered the most remarkable collection of Viking Age artefacts ever unearthed in Britain or Ireland and features more than 100 rare objects that were buried for more than a millennium. The exhibition largely comprises items of jewellery, including silver arm rings, beads and brooches. Backed by community fundraising efforts, it was acquired by National Museums Scotland and premiered to the public in 2021.  

This will be the first time that this precious collection of history-defining artefacts has travelled outside the United Kingdom, where South Australians will have the first opportunity to view objects from one of the 21st century’s most significant archaeological finds - an assortment of Viking-era treasure from 900 CE.

Opening a time capsule, visitors can be drawn into this ancient world, as the Hoard was buried in four distinct parcels and each parcel becomes richer and more complex. Using audio visual and 3D reconstructions, visitors can experience these objects and learn more about the detailed research that has been done to learn more about their history, manufacture and places of origin.

A packed six-month program of events, including Vikingfest on 28–29 June 2025, will offer opportunities for visitors of all ages to join the hoard. The festival coincides with the conclusion of the World Archaeological Congress 2025 in Darwin and is expected to bring around 450 conference delegates to Adelaide, many staying overnight.

Minister for Arts, the Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate the launch of Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard at the South Australian Museum. This world-first showcase of such significant Viking Age artefacts outside the UK is a coup for South Australia and the State Government is proud to be providing additional support to the South Australian Museum to bring this extraordinary collection to our state.”

Dr. Martin Goldberg, Principal Curator, Medieval Archaeology & History, National Museums Scotland, said:

“The Galloway Hoard was a truly extraordinary find. This exhibition shows how a decade of discovery through conservation and research work has enabled us to decode some of the secrets of the hoard, revealing decorations, inscriptions and other details hidden for over a thousand years. We’re delighted to present the Galloway Hoard to an international audience, as befits its international significance.”

Clare Mockler, Acting Director of the South Australian Museum, said: “This unique treasure trove provides a snapshot of life in medieval Scotland and connects Britain with the Viking Age trade networks that stretched across Europe into the Middle East and Asia, which I think will really appeal to visitors.”

“In some respects, the real treasure of the Galloway Hoard isn’t the precious metals that it contains, but the insights that it provides of Viking Age life in Scotland around 900 CE. This makes it one of the most illuminating British archaeological discoveries of the 21st century.”

Complementing the exhibition will be two rare Viking Age brooches from the Museum’s own collection that will also be displayed for the very first time, after being prepared for exhibit by ArtLab Australia.

Content Coordinator at the South Australian Museum, Stephen Zagala said “these treasures were donated by a private collector from Sweden, Bertil Gunnarsson-Hagman, in the late 1950s to the Museum. Authentic Viking Age items like this are rarely found in Australian museum collections.”

The Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard, will showcase at the South Australian Museum from 8 February until 27 July 2025.

Visit samuseum.sa.gov.au to find out more and to purchase tickets.

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For more information, high resolution images or requests for interview please contact:

Elle Larwood (SA Museum) 0466 389 019 media@samuseum.sa.gov.au

Belinda Bocson (BPR), 0402 358 000 belinda@bpublicrelations.com.au

BACKGROUND

Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is a landmark exhibition at the South Australian Museum (from 8 February to 27 July 2025) that showcases artefacts of one of Europe’s most important archaeological finds of the century.

The Galloway Hoard reveals the extensive networks of trade and exchange and challenges popular understandings of this period in world history. Decoding the secrets has been a multi-layered process, and visitors can see the decorations, inscriptions, and other details hidden for more than one thousand years through careful conservation.

The exhibition is regarded as the Museum's most extensive and detailed presentation, showcasing an unparalleled depth and breadth of artefacts on display. The Australian premiere further cement’s the state’s growing reputation as a premier cultural destination.

EVENT DETAILS

Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard will be at the South Australian Museum from 8 February to 27 July 2025, with tickets now on sale. The exhibition will bring a Viking celebration to Adelaide, with a program of events for all ages running alongside the event, including a two-day Viking festival in June, free activities on the front lawn, school holiday programs, treasure hunts, and accessible options like sensory-friendly evenings and audio descriptions.

The exhibition is supported by the South Australian Tourism Commission and the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.

Tickets:

• Adult $25

• Concession/Senior/student $22

• Children 5-12 $12

• Under 5/Companion Card Free

• Museum Member $17

• Family $55 (2 adults, up to 3 kids)

• Groups $18 pp (10 or more)

• Museum Member season pass $40 (unlimited visits, non-transferable)

• Primary school students $7 (when booked as a school group only)

• Secondary school students $12 (when booked as school group only)

ABOUT THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM

The South Australian Museum has been committed to making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible, engaging and fun for over 165 years.

It is a place where families can learn and grow together. Today the Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance.