Tens of thousands of prospective visitors faced lengthy online waits yesterday as the first batch of tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry in the UK went on sale. The iconic 11th-century embroidery, which vividly depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066, is set to go on display at the British Museum in London from September.
This loan from France marks a significant historical moment, as it will be the first time the tapestry has been exhibited on British soil. Its temporary relocation is facilitated by major renovation works currently underway at its permanent home, the Bayeux Museum in Normandy. More than 65,000 individuals joined the virtual queue shortly after tickets were released at 10:00 BST on Wednesday, with some reporting hours-long waits and technical timeouts, while others successfully secured their entry.
The British Museum had anticipated immense public interest. Dr Nicholas Cullinan, the museum's director, described the tapestry's arrival as an "incredible event" during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He emphasised the meticulous care that will be taken to safeguard the delicate embroidery throughout its 10-month display. A unique aspect of the London exhibition is that the 70-metre-long masterpiece will be laid flat and displayed in one continuous line, offering a viewing experience not available for centuries.
The tapestry's journey from France will involve transportation via the Eurotunnel in the coming weeks. Reports indicate that extensive precautions have been taken, including two successful test runs to assess vibration levels. The artwork will reportedly travel in its own dedicated train carriage, accompanied only by conservators and guards, with police escorts on both sides of the Channel, before being housed in a specially manufactured glass case at the museum.
Ticket prices for adults are set at £33 during peak times and £27 for off-peak visits. While these prices are considerably higher than the approximately €12 typically charged in Normandy, Dr Cullinan explained that the exhibition is "really expensive...to put on as a charity," necessitating the recouping of funds. He highlighted that the majority of tickets are off-peak, and crucially, all children under 16 will be granted free admission, underscoring the museum's commitment to making the exhibition accessible to young people. Further ticket releases are planned for October and January for those who missed out on the initial allocation.