The Yorkshire Museum have announced that the internationally significant Iron Age find, the Melsonby Hoard, will be going on display this spring.
The premier exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard, will present the unprecedented discovery of the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork to ever be found in the United Kingdom.
It will be on display from 15 May until Summer 2027.
The hoard has garnered interest on a global scale after it was revealed in early 2025 that over 800 objects had been discovered in 2021 outside the village of Melsonby in North Yorkshire.
Fragments of vehicles, adornments from horse harnesses, weapons and hundreds of other individual items make up the momentous discovery of such quantity and variety that is highly unusual for the Iron Age.
The new exhibition, Chariots, Treasure and Power, at the Yorkshire Museum will be the first time this group of objects have been on public display and showcases the initial stages of research on the hoard.
The objects will be showcased alongside digital resources, inviting visitors to get up close to the discovery and dive into the archaeological, scientific, and conservation work shaping future research.
Emily North, curator of archaeology at York Museums Trust said, “It is a privilege to contribute to the development of the new Melsonby Hoard exhibition.
“Following a period of considerable anticipation and generous support from communities, both online and in person, we are delighted to share the first phase of research and conservation surrounding this exceptional discovery.
“We extend our huge thanks to all who supported the acquisition and to the specialists who have shared their expertise. Their contributions have enabled us to present this remarkable find to the public and to further our understanding of its significance.”
The acquisition of the hoard was the result of a successful fundraising campaign, and a significant grant of £192,096 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a varied programme of events. There will be creative sessions and activities for families, regular talks from the Visitor Experience Team, and the upper balcony of the museum will be transformed into a community display featuring artworks made by students at Melsonby Methodist Primary School.
The opening of the exhibition coincides with the annual Eboracum Roman Festival, held in York Museum Gardens, running from 16 May to 31 May 2026. The Melsonby Hoard will also be making an appearance at the festival, offering visitors the chance to handle some 3D replicas, chat to curators about the discovery and learn more about the Iron Age, alongside the subsequent arrival of the Romans to Britain.
Further details about the exhibition and information about the upcoming exciting programme of related events, talks and workshops can be found on the Yorkshire Museum website.
