Chariots, Treasure and Power:
Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard

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Items from the Melsonby Hoard which will be on display at The Yorkshire Museum in May 2026, including a gold coin and a silver spoon, photograph by Gareth Buddo

Posted on 22nd March 2026

The Yorkshire Museum announces first-look exhibition displaying internationally significant Iron Age find.

The Yorkshire Museum is delighted to announce that the internationally significant North Yorkshire Iron Age find, the Melsonby Hoard, will be displayed to the public from 15 May 2026. Following an incredible fundraising campaign in 2025, the Yorkshire Museum successfully acquired the hoard and is now preparing to unveil a first-look exhibition.

This unprecedented find sparked global attention for its astounding array of over 800 objects unearthed near a small village in North Yorkshire. From chariot wheels and cauldrons to horse bridles and spears, the Melsonby Hoard is the largest hoard of Iron Age metalwork to ever be discovered in the United Kingdom.

The exhibition will explore the significance of this once in a generation discovery, showcasing the scale, variety and importance of these objects. The Yorkshire Museum will share the story of the hoard so far, trying to understand what this discovery confirms and challenges about our current understandings of late Iron Age Britain 2,000 years ago.

“We are beyond excited to be able to put the Melsonby Hoard on display for the first time as a large-scale exhibition. We are grateful to Durham University, Historic England and The British Museum for their support and guidance, as well as the overwhelming generosity given across the fundraising campaign which allowed the Yorkshire Museum to acquire the hoard and put it on display.”

Dr Andrew Woods Head of Collections and Research at York Museums Trust

The Melsonby Hoard represents a truly once in a lifetime discovery that will be shared with museum visitors and online. Further details about the exhibition will be announced in due course, along with an exciting programme of events, talks and workshops.

Dr Adam Parker with items from the Melsonby Hoard, which will be on display at the Yorkshire Museum in May 2026, including a gold coin and a silver spoon, photograph by Gareth Buddo
gloved hands holding a rare find int he melsonby horad, photo by Gareth Buddo
Dr Adam Parker with items from the melsonby hoard, on display at the Yokshire Museum in May 2026 photogrpah by Gareth Buddo

Plan Your Visit to the Yorkshire Museum

  • Cost: £10 per adult, £6 per child - admission for 12 months.
  • Open Days: Tuesday to Sunday
  • Melsonby Hoard Exhibition: 15th May to Summer 2026
  • Times: 10am to 5pm
  • Location: Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR
  • Dog: Assistance Dogs Only
  • More Visitor Information: Find more detail on visiting The Yorkshire Museum Here
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