British Museum Faces Backlash After Turning Away Ticket Holders for Gala Dinner
Visitors with tickets to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition were denied entry due to a private event attended by Chancellor John Healey and Princess Anne.
The British Museum is facing criticism after turning away visitors with tickets to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition to accommodate a private gala dinner. The event, held to mark the opening of Samsung's Korea exhibition, was attended by Chancellor John Healey, Princess Anne, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
Ticket holders reported being informed abruptly that the gallery was closing due to "space and time restrictions" and a "private event." Some visitors had queued for extended periods, with one reporting waiting an hour in an online queue and then 20 minutes in person before being turned away. Disappointed visitors were handed notices stating they could contact the museum for refunds or to arrange alternative dates.
The nearly 1,000-year-old Bayeux Tapestry is on loan to the UK from Bayeux, France, for a year, marking its first return to British soil since its creation. The exhibition has experienced significant demand, leading to long queues and, in some instances, visitors being turned away or having their viewing time cut short.
This incident follows previous issues with the exhibition, including complaints about chaotic queues and timed slots being shortened. One visitor reported waiting over two hours for his slot, only for the gallery lights to be turned off shortly after he entered. The museum has also faced legal threats from a visually impaired visitor who claimed the museum breached the Equality Act by not adequately providing for those with sight impairments.
It is understood that the museum had planned to close at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, with timed tickets for the tapestry sold up to 3:10 p.m. However, organizers reportedly planned for only a 40-minute viewing time for the 68.3-meter embroidery, leading to issues for visitors wishing to spend longer.
A spokesperson for the British Museum stated that they have seen unprecedented demand for the exhibition and their priority is to allow as many people as possible to view it while ensuring a positive visitor experience. "Unfortunately, delays earlier in the day meant that some visitors were unable to enter at their allotted time," the spokesperson said. "We have apologised to those affected and [are] giving a refund as well as rescheduling their ticket for free. This was an isolated situation and we appreciate visitors' patience and understanding."