Our Story and Mission
Gall Heritage Tickets was established in 1994 by a consortium of Irish and French historians, archaeologists, and cultural preservationists who recognized the need for a dedicated institution to explore the connections between Gallic and Irish civilizations. What began as a modest collection housed in a converted Georgian townhouse has grown into one of Europe's premier institutions for the study and presentation of Gallic heritage.
Our mission is threefold: to preserve authentic Gallic artifacts and documents for future generations, to conduct and support rigorous academic research into Gallic-Irish connections, and to make this fascinating history accessible to diverse audiences through engaging exhibitions and educational programs. We believe that understanding ancient cultures enriches contemporary life and provides valuable perspectives on questions of identity, migration, trade, and cultural exchange that remain relevant today.
The Gauls occupied much of what is now France, Belgium, Switzerland, and parts of Germany from approximately 800 BCE until the Roman conquest in the 1st century BCE. Their society was characterized by sophisticated metalworking, vibrant artistic traditions, complex social structures, and rich oral literature. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals extensive contact between Gallic territories and Ireland, including trade in metals, pottery, and luxury goods, as well as possible migration and cultural influence.
Our institution takes a comparative approach, examining both Gallic and Irish Celtic cultures to identify shared elements and distinctive features. This methodology allows visitors to appreciate the diversity within Celtic civilizations while understanding the broader patterns that connected communities across ancient Europe. We work closely with museums and research institutions in France, Belgium, and other countries with significant Gallic heritage to ensure our presentations reflect international scholarship.
Our Values and Approach
Academic integrity forms the foundation of everything we do. Every artifact in our collection has been legally acquired, thoroughly documented, and properly conserved. We maintain detailed provenance records and work actively to combat the illegal antiquities trade. Our curatorial decisions are guided by scholarly consensus, and we regularly update our exhibitions to reflect new research findings.
Accessibility is equally important to our mission. Museums can sometimes feel intimidating or exclusive, particularly to visitors without specialized knowledge. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and capable of engaging with the material. Our interpretive materials are written in clear language, avoiding unnecessary jargon while maintaining accuracy. Staff members are trained to answer questions at appropriate levels, whether speaking with schoolchildren, undergraduate students, or professional archaeologists.
We recognize that museums have historically served as instruments of colonialism and cultural appropriation. Our institution is committed to ethical practice, including consultation with descendant communities, transparent acknowledgment of historical injustices, and ongoing examination of our own assumptions and biases. We present Gallic culture on its own terms rather than through the lens of Roman conquerors or modern nationalist narratives.
Our Collections
The museum's permanent collection includes over 3,500 objects spanning the entire period of Gallic civilization. Highlights include a complete set of Gallic warrior armor from the 3rd century BCE, discovered during construction work near Toulouse and acquired through partnership with French authorities. The armor demonstrates the sophisticated metalworking techniques employed by Gallic craftspeople and provides insights into military organization and social hierarchy.
Our numismatic collection contains over 800 Gallic coins, representing various tribes and time periods. These coins are invaluable for understanding Gallic political structures, economic systems, and artistic conventions. Many feature intricate designs incorporating animals, geometric patterns, and stylized human faces. The collection includes rare examples of coins that show evidence of Irish-Gallic trade connections.
Pottery and domestic objects form another significant component of our holdings. These everyday items reveal much about Gallic daily life, including food preparation, storage methods, household organization, and aesthetic preferences. We have reconstructed a complete Gallic household interior based on archaeological evidence, allowing visitors to visualize the living conditions of ordinary people rather than focusing exclusively on elite culture or military history.
Our manuscript and document collection includes medieval Irish texts that reference Gallic peoples and cultures, demonstrating the persistence of cultural memory long after direct contact had ceased. These manuscripts are displayed in climate-controlled cases with detailed translations and contextual information. We also maintain a digital archive that makes these texts accessible to researchers worldwide.