Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard has captivated South Australians since it opened at the South Australian Museum in February, drawing more than 46,000 visitors. The international blockbuster exhibition closes its doors on Sunday 27 July, making this the last opportunity to see it before it returns to the UK.
Unearthed in 2014 near Balmaghie in southwest Scotland, the Galloway Hoard is hailed as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the century. The collection features more than 100 rare and exquisite artefacts – from gleaming silver arm rings and decorative beads to intricate brooches – many of which haven’t been seen outside Britain or Ireland until now.
“This is the most remarkable collection of Viking Age artefacts ever unearthed in Britain or Ireland,” according to experts, and South Australians have been the first outside the UK to view it, thanks to the exhibition’s exclusive partnership with National Museums Scotland.
The Museum celebrated the exhibition with an action-packed six-month program of events, including a Viking Festival in June that formed part of Adelaide’s vibrant Winter Festival, supported by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency. The month-long celebration included popular free Friday night events and culminated in VikingFest, which drew a crowd of 13,000 over a single weekend – a record-breaking event for the Museum.
The final event in the series is a Whisk(e)y Tasting evening in collaboration with NOLA Adelaide, taking place on Thursday 24 July. Guests will be treated to a guided tasting of five different whiskies from around the world – a fitting way to toast the end of an unforgettable season.
Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard is on display at the South Australian Museum until Sunday 27 July. The Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are available at the door or online at samuseum.sa.gov.au
