British Museum Extends Bayeux Tapestry Hours After Two-Hour Queues and Turned-Away Visitors

Key facts

• The British Museum is extending opening hours for its Bayeux Tapestry exhibition after visitors waited up to two hours.
• Hundreds of ticket holders were turned away last Wednesday due to a private event.
• The exhibition opened on 10 September.
• A museum spokesperson called the response "extraordinary" and announced an audio guide, clearer signage, additional seating and longer hours.
• Further details on longer opening times are due to be announced.
• Turned-away visitors will receive a refund and a priority booking slot.
• Some visitors due on 30 September could not enter after the museum closed early for a Samsung-sponsored private event marking the new Korea exhibition.
• The museum was sued last week by a blind man over the lack of an audio description.
• The tapestry will be displayed in the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery until 11 July 2027.
• The Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Normandy is undergoing renovations.
• The Guardian reported in August that Peter Thiel received a private viewing and One Aldwych offered hotel guests tickets through a corporate partnership.
• Adult tickets cost £33 peak and £27 off-peak; children under 16 are free.
• Tickets are sold out until the end of 2026, with more released for early 2027 on 21 October.