Swords, armour, jewels and rare artefacts have transformed part of the Queensland Museum into a mecca for medieval buffs.

It's taken three years of planning to bring more than 270 items from London's British Museum to Queensland for the world exclusive of the Medieval Power: Symbols and Splendour exhibition.

British Museum curator of Late Medieval Europe Naomi Speakman at the Queensland Museum. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

Featuring items spanning from the year 400 to 1500, the collection provides a snapshot of what life was like for the rich and the poor of the Middle Ages.

The artefacts range from simple coins and pottery used by common folk, to outrageous bling that puts modern-day jewellery to shame. Some items will be displayed publicly for the first time.