An historic journey under high security
The Bayeux Tapestry, a medieval masterpiece classified as an historical monument in 1862 and registered under UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” programme in 2007, has left French soil to join the British Museum in London. The work left yesterday, Thursday 9 July 2026, at 6.15 pm, from Bayeux, under exceptional protection and arrived in London this morning at 3.50 am (French time).
Under the supervision of the Prefect Delegate for Defence and Security – Western Zone, the tapestry was escorted by the French police to the Eurotunnel area. It then crossed the Channel, via the Shuttle, where the British authorities took over its security to the British Museum.
This transport, prepared for more than a year in collaboration with the teams of the Ministry of Culture (General Directorate of Heritage and Architecture and the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs of Normandy), the British Museum, the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the specialised transport company Hizkia, mobilised unprecedented logistical and security means. The Tapestry travelled in an air-conditioned and anti-vibration crate, custom-designed to guarantee its optimal preservation.
A major cultural and diplomatic event
This exceptional loan, announced at the 37th Franco-British Summit in July 2025, is part of a strengthened cultural partnership between France and the United Kingdom. It coincides with the temporary closure of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum for renovation work and marks an historic moment: the work, which had only left Normandy twice (in 1804 and 1944), returns to British soil for the first time since its creation in the eleventh century.
After a necessary period of acclimatisation, the Bayeux Tapestry will be installed in the Sainsbury Exhibition Gallery of the British Museum, where it will be presented to the public from 10 September 2026 in an exhibition eagerly awaited by the British public.
Catherine Pegard, French Ministry of Culture expressed satisfaction: “To see the Bayeux Tapestry arriving at the British Museum is to fully appreciate the work done by the Franco-British teams to make this historic operation possible. On both sides of the Channel, these men and women have devoted themselves to making this move a collective success, thus enabling us to go on weaving the thread that has linked the UK and France for nearly a thousand years. “
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Make no mistake – this is an historic moment and a significant act of friendship as we welcome this iconic historical tapestry back to Britain for the first time in almost 1,000 years.
“This exhibition is a once in a life time opportunity to learn about this pivotal period in our national story and our shared heritage and friendship with France, which endures to the present day. I’m delighted to welcome this tapestry back onto British shores.”
Exclusive images available for the press
Photographs and videos of the key stages of the crating, departure from Bayeux and arrival at the British Museum are available for editors on demand: service-presse@culture.gouv.fr
Departure images: © Isabelle Harsin/ Ministere de la Culture/ Sipa Press
Departure video: © Ministere de la Culture/ Successive
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- Picture: Bayeux Tapestry © Bayeux Museum