Museum of Liverpool announces a Treasure of an exhibition

The Museum of Liverpool will showcase rare and fascinating archaeological artefacts this autumn in an exhibition which is the most extensive of its kind ever to be staged in the North West.

Treasure: History Unearthed comes to the waterfront landmark from September 13 to March 29, 2026.

Tickets, costing from £5 for adults, are on sale now. Children aged 17 and under go free.

The exhibition, curated by National Museums Liverpool’s archaeology team, will showcase significant finds from sites in the North West and Wales and will be presented with bilingual signage.

It will feature loans from institutions including the British Museum, Museum Wales (Amgueddfa Cymru) and Flintshire Museum Collections.

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

Above: Rossett Lock Ring. ©Wrexham County Borough Museum. Top: Items from the Castle Esplane Hoard. ©West Cheshire Museums

Among the significant objects and artefacts due to go on show at the Museum of Liverpool are items from the Shochlach, Heronbridge, Broxton and Castle Esplane Hoards, loaned by West Cheshire Council; a medieval gold brooch from Nantwich Museum; Rossett Lock Ring from Wrexham County Borough Museum and the Peover Hoard, held by NML.

Vanessa Oakden, NML’s Curator of Regional & Community Archaeology, 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."

Treasure: History Unearthed is on show at the Museum of Liverpool from September 13 to March 29, 2026. Tickets HERE