British Museum Apologises for Bayeux Tapestry Queues

The British Museum in London has apologised to visitors caught in long queues for the Bayeux Tapestry and promised refunds and quicker entry.

The museum said visitors who were unable to enter the ticketed exhibition will receive refunds and priority booking slots to return. It also announced changes to ease queues after complaints about wait times and overcrowding in the galleries. BBC

The criticism focused on slow-moving lines and packed rooms. Coverage published on 5 October said the show had drawn complaints about long waits and overcrowding, and that the museum's director had apologised over the problems. Artnet

Late last month the museum banned photography of the tapestry to keep the line moving. Staff told visitors to put phones away in front of the work. The rule was introduced on 21 September. The New York Times

The work on display is 70 metres long. It is a strip of embroidered cloth that depicts events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. British Museum

Its display in London followed a historic agreement with France, where the tapestry is normally held. The loan brought the work back to the UK after 900 years away. British Museum That history was reported when the loan was confirmed in July 2025. BBC

The museum tour for the exhibition is to include an audio account of the tapestry. The recording is intended to guide visitors through the scenes in order without stopping the flow. BBC

Board papers show the project has been in preparation for some time. The minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting on 26 September 2025 include a Bayeux Tapestry partnership update. The same minutes record apologies from artist and trustee Tracey Emin for absence.

For visitors, this means a shorter stop and no photos. Those who missed out should get money back and first choice of a new time.