“We are lending Britain an iconic jewel of our shared history: the Bayeux Tapestry.” says French President Emmanuel Macron, “This is the first time this national treasure will leave French soil. It marks an unprecedented cultural partnership between our two countries — a powerful symbol of our Entente amicale.”
A unique artefact created in the 11th century, the Bayeux Tapestry depicts in a 70 meters long embroidery the epic Battle of Hasting (14 October 1066) for the Crown of England between William, Duke of Normandy, a.k.a. William the Conqueror and Harold Godwinson, brother-in-law to the late king, Edward the Confessor.
Through 58 scenes, 626 characters and 202 horses, the tapestry gives an account of the medieval period in Normandy and England like no other. It provides information about civil and military architecture, armour and seafaring in the Viking tradition, as well as precious details of everyday life.
The Bayeux Museum, where the tapestry has been displayed since 1983, will close for a two-year renovation from 1 September 2025.
The Bayeux Tapestry will be displayed at the British Museum from September 2026. In exchange, treasures from the British Museum that represent all four nations of the UK – including Sutton Hoo and the Lewis chess pieces – will travel to museums in Normandy.
Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, said: “The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important and unique cultural artefacts in the world, which illustrates the deep ties between Britain and France and has fascinated people across geographies and generations. It is hard to overstate the significance of this extraordinary opportunity of displaying it at the British Museum and we are profoundly grateful to everyone involved.”
The tapestry will return to France the following year in time for the Bayeux Museum’s reopening.