The Yorkshire Museum in York is launching a major new exhibition – featuring the best collection of Viking finds to be shown outside London.
Viking North, opening on Friday 11 July 2025, will tell the story of the Viking Age in the North of England from 866 to 1066.
The new exhibition will showcase items that have been unseen for generations, and some that have never been on public display.
It combines objects from Yorkshire Museum’s own collection, the Vale of York hoard, co-owned with the British Museum, and specially loaned national and regional items including objects from the Viking Army Camp at Aldwark in North Yorkshire.
Dr Adam Parker, curator of archaeology at York Museums Trust says: “Viking North is a story of geopolitical change and a clash of cultures. A story enhanced by the inclusion of loans from other museum partners and private individuals. This exhibition will enable generations of visitors to benefit from the successes of these partnerships.
“When the Viking Great Army arrived in the North of England in AD 866, everything changed. Anglo-Saxon kings were defeated, new territories and allegiances rose and fell, new identities were forged, and new international connections were made. The story will be brought alive by the emergent research into these temporary, mobile towns in the late 9th century as these settlers expanded their geographical locations and made England their home.
“This major exhibition is a chance to marvel at, explore and understand the true story of the Vikings in the north.”
Viking North will form the largest group of Viking objects on display in England, with artefacts displayed across five themes:
- Viking Great Army Invasions
- From Yorkshire to the World: International Links
- Making of Viking Age England: Danelaw and Jorvik
- Hammer, Cross, Beasts and Dragons: Objects and Art
- Change and continuity: Yorkshire and the North
Some of the objects on display will include the renowned York Helmet found in Coppergate in York, a silver-gilt bowl, a silk cap, a newly-discovered Thor’s pendant, and the Vale of York Hoard – with 700 pieces of gold and silver jewellery.
Viking North will show alongside current exhibitions, including Star Carr: Life After the Ice, and will run until 2027.
To find out more and to book your tickets to the Yorkshire Museum, visit their website here.
