British Museum Head Apologizes for Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition Issues
The museum plans to implement longer hours, improved signage, and additional seating to address overcrowding and visitor complaints.
Nicholas Cullinan, the director of the British Museum, has issued an apology for the visitor experience at its widely popular Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, acknowledging issues with overcrowding and long queues.
The museum is introducing several changes to improve the viewing experience, including extended opening hours, an audio guide, more seating, and clearer directional signage. These measures come after reports of visitors waiting up to two hours and hundreds being turned away due to capacity issues and the museum closing early for a private event.
"Anyone that doesn't have a good experience, we're really sorry about that and we want to put it right," Cullinan told the BBC. He noted that the exhibition is only three weeks into its run and is expected to reach its 100,000th visitor soon, a figure he described as "extraordinary." He added that the vast majority of visitors report positive experiences.
Cullinan explained that the perceived issues stem not from an excessive number of tickets being sold, but from visitors wanting to spend more time with the 70-meter-long embroidery than anticipated. He stated that some individuals are exceeding their allocated 40-minute viewing slots, which impacts the flow for subsequent visitors. The museum has consulted with the tapestry's home museum in Bayeux for advice on managing visitor flow and timings.
While the museum is reimbursing those who were unable to enter, Cullinan indicated that compensation for travel costs is "a possibility," but emphasized the significant expense of mounting the exhibition.
Accessibility has also been a point of discussion. Cullinan stated that the museum has done "everything they could," noting that the stipulation for the tapestry to be laid flat presented challenges for wheelchair users.
The exhibition has seen immense demand since tickets went on sale in July, with a record 100,000 tickets sold on the first day. Additional tickets will be released in October and January for those who were unsuccessful in earlier releases. Adult tickets are priced at £33 during peak times and £27 off-peak, with children under 16 admitted free. In comparison, viewing the tapestry in Bayeux costs €12.
The Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts events leading up to the Norman conquest of England in 1066, is on loan from the French government and will be displayed in London until July 2027. This marks its first return to the UK since its creation over 900 years ago.