The British Museum has set a new sales record, generating £2.5 million in a single day as tickets became available for the Bayeux Tapestry's upcoming exhibition. The historic artifact is set to return to English soil for the first time in nearly a millennium.
Demand for tickets was exceptionally high, with up to 80,000 people in a virtual queue at its peak. Many prospective visitors reported waiting for over nine hours to secure their tickets, which have now sold out. Some users experienced website crashes or found that tickets had sold out by the time they reached the front of the queue. Social media commentary reflected both frustration and humor regarding the long waits and limited availability.
Further opportunities to purchase tickets will be available in October and January, offering access between January to March and April to July of 2027. Ticket prices range from £25 to £33.
The 230-foot-long tapestry, which depicts the Norman invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066, has been in France for approximately 950 years. While its exact origins are debated, it is believed to have been created by English embroiderers. The tapestry has been housed at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Normandy, France, since 1983 and will return there after its UK display.
For the exhibition, the tapestry will be laid flat for the first time in almost two centuries, housed in a specially constructed glass container, to mitigate concerns over potential damage if displayed on a rail. Transportation arrangements are being kept confidential due to fears of damage during transit.
The loan of the tapestry was confirmed last July during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Britain, where he was hosted by King Charles. This cultural exchange is viewed as a symbol of strengthening ties between France and Britain, particularly in the decade following the UK's 2016 Brexit vote. In reciprocation, French museums are scheduled to host British artifacts, including the Sutton Hoo collection.
George Osborne, chairman of trustees at the British Museum, described the tapestry as a "defining piece of our nation's history and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience." Polling conducted for the museum indicated that 76% of the public consider 1066 an important part of British history, with 82% supporting school visits to see the tapestry.
Dr. Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, commented on the unprecedented demand, stating, "We've seen an extraordinary response to The Bayeux Tapestry with today becoming the single biggest day for any exhibition ever held at the British Museum." He added that the demand reflects the public's appetite for arts and culture and expressed anticipation for welcoming visitors in September.
Approximately 7.5 million people are expected to view the tapestry during its exhibition.