British Museum makes changes to ease Bayeux Tapestry queues

The woven record of the Norman Conquest recently returned to the UK for the first time in almost 1,000 years, going on display at the London museum on September 10.

A British Museum spokesperson said: “The response to the Bayeux Tapestry has been extraordinary, and we are delighted by the excitement and interest it has generated.

“We also know that some visitors have faced longer queues than we would have wanted, so we are introducing a series of measures – including an audio guide, clearer signage, additional seating and longer opening hours – to make the experience smoother and give more people the time they need to enjoy the tapestry.”

The woven record of the Norman Conquest has returned to the UK for the first time in almost 1,000 years (Jonathan Brady/PA)

PA Wire

Two weeks ago, the museum announced visitors were no longer allowed to take photos of the 70-metre artefact after people stopping to take snaps caused significant delays.

Many ticket-holders have complained after they were turned away because of backlogs.

The British Museum has offered refunds and a priority booking slot for a rearranged time for ticket-holders who have been turned away.

From Monday there will be an audio guide to help visitors experience the tapestry with extra detail, as well as more signage to explain the different parts of the exhibition.

The museum will also extend opening hours to help ease queues during the day and to space out allotted bookings.

Additional seating will also be added.

Tickets are sold out until the next release later this month (Jonathan Brady/PA)

PA Wire

Before it went on display, the British Museum said demand to see the “once-in-a-generation exhibition has already been unprecedented”.

When general admission tickets went on sale in July, the museum recorded the biggest day of ticket sales in its history, generating more than £2.4 million in the first 24 hours.

Tickets are sold out until the next release on October 21.

Adult tickets cost £33 during peak times and £27 at off-peak hours, while children under 16 can visit for free.

The tapestry usually costs 12 euros (£10) to see at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Bayeux, Normandy, and will return there when the museum reopens after renovation.

The tapestry is considered to be one of the wonders of the medieval world and offers an insight into life in 11th century England before and after the conquest – from castles, warfare and ships to clothing, food and furniture.

It was likely to have been commissioned by a Norman patron and made by English embroiderers, using manuscript drawings from Canterbury.

The Bayeux Tapestry is at the British Museum until July 11 next year.