The £2m refurbishment of Yorkshire Museum in York is nearly complete.

The city’s Roman heritage will be the central theme for the new look museum, with major exhibitions also highlighting its strong medieval and natural history collections.

Objects on show will include the most complete Anglo Saxon helmet ever found in Britain, the Middleham Jewel, the most significant Viking Hoard to be found in 150 years and Britain’s biggest Ichthyosaur.

Andrew Morrison, head curator at the Yorkshire Museum, said: “This refurbishment will once again transform the Yorkshire Museum into one of the country’s greatest museums. It is a beautiful building that is home to some of the most significant archaeological finds and scientific collections in Europe.

“This project was vital to restore the galleries to their former glory. In doing so we believe we have created a museum that shows off its proud heritage while at the same time being a place that will inspire and delight the 21st Century visitor.”

The museum is due to open on 1 August.