The British Museum has announced that public tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry will go on sale on July 1st, 2026.

Photo courtesy of the Trustees of the British Museum

It is the first time the tapestry has been displayed in the United Kingdom since it was made almost 1,000 years ago – and is expected to be one of the most popular events in the Museum's history.

Tickets to see the 70-metre-long tapestry will first be available for entry on dates between September and December 2026. Two further ticket releases will be made in October and January, for access between January and March and April and July 2027.

Bayeux Tapestry © Bayeux Museum

The Bayeux Tapestry is a 70-metre-long masterpiece telling the story of the conquest of England in 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy. The embroidery in wool thread on linen cloth was created in the UK and dates back to the 11th century.

Through 58 scenes, 626 characters and 202 horses, the tapestry gives an account of the medieval period in Normandy and England like no other. It provides information about civil and military architecture, armour and seafaring in the Viking tradition, as well as precious details of everyday life.

Bayeux Tapestry © Bayeux Museum

Public anticipation to see the tapestry is at an all-time high. Recent polling carried out exclusively for the Museum reveals that 75% of the public support the partnership with France, with 76% believing that “1066 is an important part of British history and people should learn more about it”.

The tapestry has been on display at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Normandy since 1983, which is now closed for renovation. The tapestry will return to France for display in the new Bayeux Tapestry Museum following its display at the British Museum.

Bayeux Tapestry Museum - exhibition gallery © Bayeux Museum

Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE, Director of the British Museum, said: “The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important cultural artefacts from the Medieval world and has been a source of inspiration and wonder for generations.

“It's difficult to capture just how extraordinary the opportunity to display the tapestry in the UK for the first time in 1000 years is. I'm glad we'll now all be able to share in that excitement as people book their tickets and travel to London to take part in what is undoubtedly going to be one of the biggest cultural events the British Museum has hosted – one for the ages.”

George Osborne, Chair of Trustees British Museum, added: ”This will be without doubt the biggest year in the Museum's history – as we expect 7.5 million people to visit and the Bayeux Tapestry returns to UK soil for the first time in a 1,000 years.

“It is a defining piece of our nation's history and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. I hope people mark their calendars and seize the chance to see it when it arrives, in what promises to be an extraordinary moment for the country.”

Bayeux Tapestry Museum - exhibition gallery © Bayeux Museum

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to see the Bayeux Tapestry in England and is not to be missed on a trip to London later this year or in 2027. Demand for tickets is sure to be high, so it makes sense to book early!”

The British Museum has a long history of interest in the Bayeux Tapestry, and a longstanding relationship with the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. An international conference was held at the British Museum in 2008, and the Museum has been a member of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum's Scientific Committee since 2013 – contributing curatorial expertise.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to the British Museum to see the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry on a tailor-made trip to London, please contact our friendly team today. Or perhaps you would like to enjoy a dedicated heritage tour? If so, we can help!