Tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum have gone back on sale to members. Members can buy tickets from October 6, more than two weeks before tickets become available to the general public on October 21.
Record ticket sales and demand
The initial September to December tranche of tickets sold out in just over 24 hours, generating more than £2.5 million in revenue for the British Museum. That made it the biggest ticket day for any exhibition in the museum's history. The second tranche is expected to sell out quickly, with customers flocking to the British Museum website to secure their chance to see the ancient embroidery.
The exhibition has faced backlash from visitors since it opened last month. Concerns have been raised about long wait-times despite allotted time slots, and overcrowding in the exhibition space. Hundreds of ticket holders were also turned away last week after a private event forced the museum to close early.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry was likely commissioned by a Norman patron and crafted by English embroiderers. It depicts 58 scenes leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Written in Latin and Old English, it is witnessed by several people depicted in the tapestry, including King Edward, Queen Edith, Archbishop Stigand, Earl Harold and Harold's brother Gyrth, both of whom are shown being killed during the battle. The exhibition also includes digital displays and other treasures from the Norman Conquest.
Ticket prices and booking details
Tickets go on sale on October 6 for members of the British Museum. Non-members must wait until October 21. Prices range from £25 to £33 depending on the date and time of the visit. Dedicated times will be set aside for school visits, and under-16s can visit for free when accompanied by an adult.
Joining the museum as a member provides advance booking options. Memberships start at £82 per year. When booking for the second tranche, visitors should start queuing for online tickets as soon as they become available at 10am. Online queues are expected to reach tens of thousands of people, with some reportedly travelling from around the world to see the embroidery.
If tickets are not secured this time, there will be a third and final release in January 2027 for viewings between April and July. Some hotels in the capital are offering ticket and stay packages. One Aldwych has a corporate partnership with the British Museum, meaning those who book a one-night stay can upgrade their package to include a viewing of the tapestry, a cocktail, and a full English breakfast. Stays at the hotel can cost as much as £1,000 a night.
Changes announced by the museum
The British Museum has faced complaints from customers since the exhibition opened last month. Visitors have claimed their experiences were marred by overcrowding, queuing for hours, and being rushed through the exhibit by museum staff. Some ticketholders were denied entry when the museum closed early for an event attended by the Chancellor.
The museum has responded with a series of changes, including longer opening times, an additional audio guide, more signage, and additional seating for those who require breaks. It is still unclear when these changes will be implemented and what the new opening times will look like, especially for those who already have tickets.
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."
