British Museum Implements Changes to Address Bayeux Tapestry Queues
The institution will extend hours, improve signage, and introduce an audio guide following significant visitor congestion.
The British Museum has announced a series of measures to alleviate long queues and visitor frustration for the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition. These changes include plans to increase opening hours, enhance signage, and introduce an audio guide.
The adjustments come after reports of hundreds of visitors being turned away or facing waits of up to two hours to view the 11th-century tapestry. In some instances, visitors were unable to enter the museum due to a private gala dinner, hosted by Samsung, which led to the museum's closure for a period. Those affected by the closure have been offered apologies, refunds, and priority booking for future viewings.
The exact details of extended opening hours are yet to be confirmed, but the new signage and audio guide are set to be implemented starting Monday. The museum stated that longer opening times are being introduced to manage the congestion surrounding the highly popular embroidery, which is on a one-year loan from France.
Photography of the tapestry has been restricted, and a pre-recorded message is being played to encourage visitors to move through the one-way exhibition route.
Demand for the exhibition, which opened to the public on September 10, has been exceptionally high, with 100,000 tickets sold on the first day of release in July. Ticket prices for adults range from £27 to £33 during peak times, significantly higher than the €12 fee charged in Bayeux, Normandy. Children under 16 are admitted free of charge in Bayeux.
The decision to introduce an audio guide follows a threatened lawsuit from a blind man, Dr. Yusuf Ali Osman, who alleged disability discrimination. His legal representatives, Leigh Day, sent a letter to the museum asserting that the lack of an audio tour breached the Equality Act. Dr. Osman had inquired about audio-described tours in July 2026, but the museum reportedly stated that self-guided visits would be prioritized due to visitor number restrictions.
The museum has since confirmed that an in-person audio-described tour will be provided on September 30 and that it is exploring the possibility of an audio-described tour via an app. Despite these developments, Dr. Osman is seeking damages, a declaration of discrimination, and policy changes.
The Bayeux Tapestry, dating back approximately 950 years, chronicles 58 scenes of the Norman Conquest of England, featuring around 626 figures and 200 horses. It will remain on display at the British Museum until July 2027, marking its first return to the UK since its creation.
