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.
The exhibition «Treasure Hoards» brings history to life for the whole family. Children and adults can jointly discover the most spectacular finds in the region and learn why they were once buried, hidden, or stolen.
A children's trail with treasure chests, puzzles, and interactive stations invites young explorers aged five and above to explore the exhibition in a playful manner. In the children's workshop, families can jointly uncover secrets surrounding the treasures and engage in creative activities. During family tours, children embark on their own treasure hunt while adults receive a parallel guided tour of the exhibition. This transforms the museum visit into a shared adventure for both young and old.
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.
The exhibition displays the most spectacular archaeological finds from the Basel region. We tell their stories and explore why these valuable objects were once buried, hidden or sunk in the Rhine.
What makes something a treasure? Why was it hidden? What does it tell us about the history of the region? And how do archaeologists uncover treasures today?
In the exhibition, school classes work on answers to these questions at various stations in a workshop (duration: 90 minutes) or a guided tour (duration: 60 minutes). A level-appropriate educational programme for pupils from Year 1 onwards.
The exhibition and publication were made possible
thanks to the generous support of our partners.
Claire Sturzenegger-Jeanfavre Stiftung
Stiftung für das Historische Museum Basel
Ulrich und Klara Huber-Reber-Stiftung
And other patrons and sponsors who do not wish to be named.
This publication was printed with the support of the Berta Hess-Cohn Foundation, Basel.
The key visual for the exhibition was designed by suan.
From 16 October 2025, the exhibition in the Barfüsserkirche will showcase
the 25 most spectacular treasure hoards from the Basel region.
The exhibition is trilingual (German, French, English) and wheelchair accessible.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
> Opening hours
Admission:
CHF 18 / CHF 12 (reduced)
Free admission for children under 13
> Prices
One admission ticket grants access to the Barfüsserkirche, the Haus zum Kirschgarten and the Musikmuseum for seven days.
Management & administration
PO box | Steinenberg 4
CH-4001 Basel
Office opening hours
8:30 – 12 AM | 13:30 – 17 PM
Reception: +41 61 205 86 00
historisches.museum(at)bs.ch
