North West’s largest display of archaeological treasure is heading to the Museum of Liverpool

Viking Silver, Bronze Age hoards and gold set jewels. Museum of Liverpool invites visitors to rethink what treasure really means in its new exhibition: Treasure: History Unearthed – the largest and most significant collection of archaeological treasure ever displayed in the North West.

Treasure: History Unearthed is the latest exhibition to arrive at the Museum of Liverpool, featuring the most extensive collection of archaeological treasures ever displayed in the North West of England and Wales. Curated with care by National Museums Liverpool’s archaeology team this extraordinary showcase brings together significant discoveries from across Merseyside, the North West, and North Wales. Featuring key items from a number of national and regional institutions including the British Museum, Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and Wrexham County Borough Museum.

Blending history, science, and storytelling, the exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore some of the most remarkable finds in local history, while uncovering the people, places and moments that shaped our shared past.

In archaeological terms, Treasure refers to objects made of gold or silver that are more than 300 years old. It also includes prehistoric hoards (groups of objects originally buried together), and groups of coins buried together. These items are not only beautiful examples of the work of skilled craftspeople, but they also offer a compelling insight into the lives, beliefs, and cultures of people from the past.

But what do we treasure today? A beloved football shirt passed down through generations? A child’s first drawing stuck to the fridge? These modern mementos may not be made of gold or silver, but they carry immense personal meaning. Just like the historic items in this exhibition, they tell stories of family, identity, memory, and culture. Treasure: History Unearthed invites visitors to explore not just ancient artefacts, but to reflect on their own definitions of value and memory. From Roman rings, Viking silver and Medieval coins, these extraordinary finds, discovered by chance and preserved with care, offer a window into lives long gone that are not so different from our own. 

The exhibition offers a vivid and tangible connection to history, with interpretation available in both English and Welsh to reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. It delves into the deep-rooted ties between Liverpool and North Wales, a relationship shaped over thousands of years by trade, shared crafts, and cultural exchange. From the Bronze Age to modern times, the movement of people and ideas between these regions has left a lasting imprint. By the early 20^th Century this connection was clearly visible, with Liverpool home to one of the largest Welsh communities in the UK, numbering around 75,000 residents.

National Museums Liverpool has long supported archaeological work, collaborating in close partnership with colleagues from the Portable Antiquities Scheme in both England and Wales. The Portable Antiquities Scheme is run by the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public. This partnership and the dedicated work of Finds Liaison Officers, ensure that chance finds and Treasure from across England and Wales are carefully recorded and shared, enriching our collective understanding of this interconnected history.

This exhibition features significant objects unearthed in Wales, generously loaned by regional and National Museums in Wales and England. These items, on temporary loan, will return to their home collections following the exhibition.

Vanessa Oakden, Curator of Regional & Community Archaeology at National Museum’s Liverpool said:

“We’re thrilled to bring together this extraordinary collection of objects together for the first time, highlighting the fascinating stories behind them. What makes this even more meaningful is that the exhibition is presented in both English and Welsh, making it more inclusive and accessible to visitors. Treasures: History Unearthed is a special moment for National Museums Liverpool and for the North West of England. It highlights the significant work being done through the Portable Antiquities Scheme and highlights why the Treasure Act is vital for both protecting and sharing heritage.”

Accompanying this exhibition is a packed and vibrant selection of events including Viking and Bronze Age Takeover Days, Talks exploring LGBTQ+ Finds from the Portable Antiquities Scheme and in-depth Curator Lead Tours.  

Treasure: History Unearthed delves into the meticulous work of conserving precious historical artefacts, explaining how cutting-edge technology is helping to uncover new layers of history and transforming the way we connect with and understand the ancient world. At the same time, it invites us to reconsider what we value, how we remember, and how our shared histories continue to shape our lives today.

Discover the remarkable stories behind these objects from their unexpected discoveries during construction work or metal detecting, to chance finds while walking and exploring. Treasure is often found where we least expect it.

Treasure: History Unearthed opens at the Museum of Liverpool on 13 September 2025 – 29 March 2026.

Find out more information on the Museum of Liverpool website.

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