Ancient Gallery
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Explore our brand-new state-of-the-art Ancient Gallery, an immersive showcase celebrating the rich and diverse history of the local area.
The new exhibition breathes life into the past, starting with an awe-inspiring centrepiece: the fossilised remains of Iggy the Ichthyosaur, a sea creature unearthed during the excavation of Caldecotte Lake. At an astonishing 180 million years old, Iggy reminds us of a time when the MK area was submerged beneath ancient seas.
Explore Millions of Years of History
From prehistoric giants like woolly mammoths and woolly rhinos to the vibrant communities of the palaeolithic and mesolithic eras, the gallery paints a vivid picture of life through the ages.
Discover the legacy of Roman settlers and their enduring influence, marvel at the Bronze Age ceremonial sword retrieved from the River Ouse, and step into history through the evocative display of a stunning mosaic found at Bancroft, set within a reconstructed roundhouse.
Highlights to Discover
- Meet Iggy the Ichthyosaur, the 180-million-year-old sea creature.
- Explore life through rare artefacts like the Forgers Hoard, weights, looms, toys, and jewellery.
- Gain insight into The Bell Beaker People and their culture.
- Marvel at relics of Roman, Bronze Age, and medieval life that shaped the region.
The Ancient Gallery’s creation was made possible through the support of Milton Keynes City Council, alongside funding from the Headley Trust, the Hobson Foundation, and a bequest from local resident Robert Excell.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Come and explore the Ancient Gallery and uncover the stories of Milton Keynes’ earliest inhabitants. Book your tickets now and step back in time to discover the past up close.