Ancient Bronze Age treasures unveiled in newly upgraded gallery

Ancient treasures have gone on display in a newly upgraded gallery.

The Horsham Museum and Art Gallery exhibition was made possible thanks to community donations following a break-in at the museum in autumn 2025, which caused damage to a historic window.

Funds raised through a community-backed GoFundMe campaign allowed the museum to make much needed upgrades to the Fossils and Flints gallery, including improvements to some of the showcasing in the space.

David Skipp, Horsham District Council cabinet member for wellbeing, culture and green spaces, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to open this new showcase of Bronze Age artefacts for everybody to enjoy. The Bronze Age Hoard is a fascinating collection of artefacts, some of which are over 3,000 years old.

“We are grateful for the support and generosity of the local community, generous lenders and the Friends of Horsham Museum, who have enabled us to bring this exhibition to life.”

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The items on display date from 1,400 to 800 BCE and include axe heads, spearheads and two partial Sussex loops – Sussex loops are a rare bronze age artefact which may have been used as jewellery, although their exact purpose is unknown.

The hoard was acquired with help from the Friends of Horsham Museum, and some items were donated by the original finders.

Although the museum previously lacked a suitable display case, donations following the break-in enabled it to adapt a showcase to display the artefacts.

Paul French, chairman of the Friends of Horsham Museum, said: “We have welcomed the generous community support which has enabled the Bronze Age hoard to go on display.”

The exhibition is now open as part of the improved Fossils and Flints gallery.

Visitors can learn more about the exhibition on the Horsham Museum website.