Milton Keynes Museum unearths the past in stunning new gallery

January 23 is a big day for Milton Keynes Museum—and for anyone who loves a good time-travel adventure. Why? Because they’re cutting the ribbon on their brand-new Ancient Gallery, a space designed to bring the history of the area to life in jaw-dropping detail. Think cutting-edge tech meets ancient treasures, all wrapped up in a […] The post Milton Keynes Museum unearths the past in stunning new gallery appeared first on MK Pulse.

January 23 is a big day for Milton Keynes Museum—and for anyone who loves a good time-travel adventure. Why? Because they’re cutting the ribbon on their brand-new Ancient Gallery, a space designed to bring the history of the area to life in jaw-dropping detail. Think cutting-edge tech meets ancient treasures, all wrapped up in a story that starts millions of years ago.

The star of the show? Meet Iggy, a fossilised Ichthyosaur who swam these parts (back when it was all underwater!) a cool 180 million years ago. Discovered during excavations for Caldecotte Lake, Iggy is your first reminder that Milton Keynes has always been a place full of surprises.

But it’s not all ancient oceans and sea creatures. Fast forward a few million years, and you’ll find woolly mammoths and rhinos roaming the same land that’s now home to one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities. From the Palaeolithic to the Mesolithic eras, the gallery offers an up-close-and-personal look at the lives of the people (and creatures) who called this place home long before roundabouts became a thing.

Stepping Back in Time

The museum’s director, Bill Griffiths, is practically bursting with excitement:
“You’ll see how our ancestors lived, worked, and played,” he says. One of the standout exhibits is a stunning Roman mosaic discovered at Bancroft, now displayed in a roundhouse setting that brings ancient history vividly to life. And here’s a fun fact: Milton Keynes boasts the largest roundhouse ever found in the UK, discovered at Blue Bridge.

The museum itself holds a special place in the city’s heart. “Of all the community projects that started with Milton Keynes, the museum is the oldest and most successful,” Bill explains. “We were started by the community, for the community, and we still hold true to that today. This is the people’s museum.”

A Labour of Love

The gallery, eight years in the making, is the result of support from Milton Keynes City Council, the Headley Trust, the Hobson Foundation, and a generous bequest from local resident Robert Excell. It’s no coincidence that the doors will open on Milton Keynes’ 58th birthday—a fitting tribute to the city’s rich heritage.

Visitors can expect to be wowed by treasures like a Bronze Age ceremonial sword pulled from the River Ouse, insights into the Bell Beaker People, and even a peek at the so-called Forgers’ Hoard. From ancient toys to jewellery, Black Death artefacts to looms and weights, the gallery is a veritable time capsule that promises something for everyone.

“This gallery isn’t just about history; it’s about identity,” Bill says. “We all come from somewhere, and knowing your roots matters. Every part of this space is designed to wow you, whether you’re five or 105.”

More to Come

As if that weren’t enough, the museum is already gearing up for the launch of another new gallery later this year, which will focus on Milton Keynes as a thoroughly modern city.

So, whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the story of the place you call home, make a date with the Ancient Gallery. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you—and reminds you that history is far from boring.

Don’t Miss Out!
Head to the museum, soak in the stories, and marvel at the past. After all, it’s your history too.

Find out more on the Museum’s website.

The post Milton Keynes Museum unearths the past in stunning new gallery appeared first on MK Pulse.