Heritage Grants
The new permanent gallery created at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery means that hundreds of items from the 3,500 pieces of Anglo Saxon treasure can now been viewed in optimum conditions.
The refurbished gallery is adjacent to collections of archaeological and ancient history material that provides valuable links. The new displays provide a high quality learning environment and interpretation and better visitor access, all developed through consultation and engagement with local people.
As well as hundreds of pieces from the hoard on show, there are hands-on displays exploring how these intriguing items were used, before they were buried some 1400 years ago. Visitors can find out about the exquisite craftsmanship used to create the items in the hoard, and learn how the designs of the objects can be linked to many regions across Europe, underlining the treasure’s international significance.
For younger visitors there are microscopes to operate and a chance to view some of the unusual tools that a conservator uses while working with these precious objects. In addition, visitors can peek into Anglo-Saxon England in the 'Mead Hall’ showing how a 7th-century lord and his warriors once lived. All this helps to bring alive the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure ever discovered.