Galloway Hoard to begin international tour in Australia
Part of the collection of Viking-age treasure, discovered near Kirkcudbright, will be shown at museums around the world
A collection of Viking-age treasures unearthed near Kirkcudbright ten years ago is going worldwide.
Part of the Galloway Hoard, described as the richest find of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever made in Britain or Ireland, will open early next year in Adelaide, as the first leg of an international tour.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard will be on show at the South Australian Museum from 8 February to 27 July 2025.
Hoard was discovered by a metal detectorist ten years ago
The Hoard was discovered in September 2014 on ground in Kirkcudbrightshire by Derek McLennan, a metal detectorist from Ayrshire.
The tour will be the first time that material from the hoard has been seen outside of the UK.
Dr. Martin Goldberg, Principal Curator, Medieval Archaeology & History, National Museums Scotland, said: “The Galloway Hoard has repeatedly drawn international attention since its discovery and acquisition by National Museums Scotland.”
“But this hoard was in many respects a journey into the unknown, and the exhibition presents all the amazing discoveries we have made through our research. We’re delighted the exhibition can now be seen by audiences outside the UK, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these exceptional objects in person.”
Australian Museum welcomes "rare and unique" collection
Dr. David Gaimster, CEO, South Australian Museum, said: “The Galloway Hoard is a rich collection in every sense, from rare and unique examples of gold and silverwork that shows the artistry of the period to items of hacked bullion that show the intensity of trade and exchange. Taken together, this hoard challenges popular understandings of this period in world history. Indeed, the Hoard reveals the extensive networks of trade and exchange that stretched from Scandinavia and the Atlantic across to Central Asia and the Silk Routes.
“We are delighted to partner with National Museums Scotland to bring the Galloway Hoard halfway across the globe for Australian audiences to experience up close – a turn of events the Hoard’s original owners could scarcely have imagined.”