Discover one of Britain’s greatest archaeological stories through an extraordinary blend of history and cutting-edge technology. The Mildenhall Treasure Mixed Reality Exhibition is at Haverhill Arts Centre from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 November. For just £2 visitors can enjoy a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of uncovering one of the most important Roman discoveries ever made in Britain.
Developed by Xibitr, digital heritage Mixed Reality specialists in partnership with Mildenhall Museum, the exhibition combines archaeology, innovation and storytelling to create an accessible experience for visitors of all ages.
Tickets are just £2 per person.
The Mildenhall Treasure was discovered in a Suffolk field in 1942 and consists of 34 magnificent pieces of late Roman silver tableware dating from the 4th century AD.
Using mixed reality headsets, you can step into a digitally recreated version of the original discovery site.
Rather than viewing artefacts behind glass, you are invited to view the landscape, uncover exquisitely detailed 3D model replicas of the Roman silver from the ground, and examine each object as if you were the person who first discovered the hoard.
- You do not need any previous knowledge of archaeology or technology to enjoy the exhibition.
- Mixed reality means that digital images are placed into the real world using a special headset. In this exhibition, the headset allows you to see a recreation of the Suffolk landscape where the treasure was discovered, appearing as though in the ground in front of you.
- You will be able to look around the recreated discovery site, uncover the objects and examine them in detail. The objects you see are highly detailed 3D models of computer-generated versions of the original artefacts that you can view from different angles.
- Staff will explain how to use the equipment and guide you through the experience.
The exhibition is suitable for visitors of all ages.
The Mildenhall Treasure is a collection of over 30 items of Roman silver tableware from Roman Britain.
It includes platters, bowls, goblets, spoons and other silver objects.
Many items are richly decorated with figures, animals, leaves and geometric patterns.
Due to its historical and monetary value, the treasure is housed in the British Museum.
The Great Dish: The largest and most impressive piece, measuring 60.5 cm in diameter and weighing 8.256 kg. It features scenes of dancing and drinking, including Hercules, Pan and Bacchus, as well as sea monsters and a sea god.
Other platters: These include smaller dishes decorated with scenes of celebration and a large platter with geometric patterns in black niello inlay.
Bowls: Six flanged bowls feature human and animal figures, decorative rims and leafy designs. A covered bowl has a domed lid decorated with leaves, wild animals and human heads.
Goblets: Two silver goblets have shallow bowls, moulded stems and leaf decoration. They may also have been used as platters when turned upside down.
Fluted bowl: A large bowl decorated with plain and leafy panels, with handles shaped like swans’ heads.
Spoons and ladle bowls: The collection includes eight spoons and five ladle bowls, with dolphin-shaped silver-gilt handles. Some spoons feature Christian symbols or inscriptions wishing their owners a long life.
Tickets are available to book via the Haverhill Arts Centre website and box office at just £2 per person.
Click HERE to get your tickets.
School groups can also book the experience by contacting the box office directly.
