Treasure Hoards
Hidden, Lost, Found
Join us on a journey through the 25 most spectacular treasure finds in the Basel region.
16.10.2025 bis 28.6.2026
Temporary exhibition
Barfüsserkirche
About the exhibition
With its new special exhibition ‘Treasure Hoards’, the Basel Historical Museum traces the 25 most spectacular treasure hoards ever found in the Basel region.
On display are Celtic gold jewellery that once adorned huge statues of gods. One of the largest Roman silver treasures in Europe, discovered in Kaiseraugst. Or the loot of a master thief sunk in the Rhine. The treasures on display date from the Bronze Age to the present day and come from north-western Switzerland, Alsace and southern Baden.
Why were these valuable treasures buried, hidden, or sunk in the Rhine?
As witnesses of past times, they tell stories of power and wealth—but also of war, persecution, and hardship. Their discovery narratives shed light on magical practices, regional legends, and unsolved criminal cases.
The exhibition is suitable for the whole family. With treasure chests, puzzles, and interactive stations, families can explore the exhibition playfully on their own.
A diverse accompanying programme offers guided tours, children's workshops, and much more.
Accompanying programme
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20.5.202614 to 17
Schatzfunde ̶ versteckt, verschollen, entdeckt Vernissage
Families, Treasure hoards, German, Entrance feeLink zum EventPanel discussionBarfüsserkirche -
20.5.202612.30 to 13.15
Zahm und wild – Einblick in die Sammlung der mittelalterlichen Bildteppiche
Permanent exhibitions, German, Entrance feeDie in der Dauerausstellung präsentierten kostbaren Bildteppiche sind ein wichtiges Zeugnis oberrheinischer Textilkunst. Der geführte Rundgang mit Kuratorin Bettina Giersberg gibt einen Einblick in diese mittelalterlichen Bildwelten und die Kunst der Wirker: innen.
Guided tourBarfüsserkirche -
21.5.202618 to 19
Schatzfunde ̶ versteckt, verschollen, entdeckt Vernissage
Treasure hoards, German, Entrance feeLink zum EventGuided tourBarfüsserkirche
Virtual tour of the exhibition
Accompanying Publication
Who hasn't dreamed of finding a treasure? This book traces the most spectacular treasure finds from the Basel region and neighboring areas. From the famous silver hoard of Kaiseraugst to Celtic gold jewelry and the cut counterfeit money of the young Swiss state, experts in archaeology and art history narrate their fascinating discovery stories. They delve into why these valuable items were once buried, hidden, or sunk in the Rhine.
The contributions revive forgotten fates and demonstrate how closely history and the present are intertwined. The exploration behind the facade of these gleaming treasures reveals not only wealth and prosperity but also tales of dramatic persecutions, wartime events, dire need and suffering, as well as criminal cases and magical practices.
This publication was printed with the support of the Berta Hess-Cohn Foundation, Basel.
Support
The exhibition and the publication were made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners. We would also like to thank other patrons and sponsors who have chosen to remain anonymous.
Partners
