The Bayeux Tapestry is a roughly 70-metre-long medieval embroidery — despite its name it is wool thread stitched onto linen, not a woven tapestry — depicting the events leading to the 1066 Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings. Made in the 1070s and preserved for more than 950 years, it is inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register and is famous for the earliest known depiction of Halley's Comet and the death of King Harold. As of 2026, its dedicated museum in Bayeux is closed for a major renovation (September 2025 to October 2027), and the tapestry is on a historic loan to the British Museum in London — its first return to England in roughly 900 years — on show from 10 September 2026 to 11 July 2027. Plan accordingly: in July 2026 the original cannot be seen in Bayeux, so the artwork itself means London, while Bayeux offers related special exhibitions instead.
The unbroken ~70 m narrative and the cavalry charges of the Battle of Hastings — in London it is displayed flat and in one continuous length for the first time, letting you grasp its true scale.
The earliest known depiction of Halley's Comet (the Latin inscription 'Isti mirant stella'), with figures gazing up at the omen.
The death of King Harold — the long-debated scene of an 'arrow in the eye' versus being cut down by a sword.
The upper and lower borders — Aesop's fable animals, farming, hunting and everyday life, as rich in detail as the main frieze.
(In Bayeux) two special exhibitions from spring 2026 on the tapestry's travels since the 11th century and the Nazi attempt to seize it during WWII.
Good to know
RulesThe Bayeux museum is closed from September 2025 until October 2027. In July 2026 the original is not on view in Bayeux, so reconsider any 'go to Bayeux to see the tapestry' plan and check the latest status before travelling.
RulesThe original is at the British Museum, London (10 Sep 2026 – 11 Jul 2027). Entry is timed and pre-booked; Sep–Dec 2026 has sold out and Jan–Jul 2027 releases later. There is a maximum of 12 tickets per booking, and duplicate bookings from one email may be cancelled — confirm the rules when you book.
CautionHuge demand has spawned third-party resellers and unofficial sites with inflated prices. Buy only through the official British Museum website.
MannersThis is a fragile ~1,000-year-old textile shown in low light. No flash, follow the photography rules, keep moving along the timed route and stay quiet.
SeasonJuly is peak season in both Normandy and London. Book accommodation, trains and tickets well ahead and prepare for heat and crowds; the nearby D-Day landing beaches are also very busy.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas around the British Museum (Bloomsbury), on the Underground and on the Eurostar.
Practical info
The original can be seen only at the British Museum in London (nearest Underground: Tottenham Court Road, Holborn or Russell Square) by timed, pre-booked ticket — around £27–33 for adults and £25 for students and disabled visitors in 2026, but always confirm the latest prices, times and availability on the official site. Bayeux (about 2.5–3 hours by train from Paris via Caen) currently shows related special exhibitions at the MAHB art-and-history museum and the Battle of Normandy Memorial instead, so verify their opening hours and fees before you go.
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