in London, Bayeux Tapestry shown 'flat along its full length' for first time

Published on

19/05/2026 - 19:42 GMT+2

The famous Bayeux Tapestry will be shown for the first time "laid out flat and in its full length in a specially designed display case" at the British Museum, a first for London, the museum said in a statement issued on Monday 18 May.

"Displaying the tapestry flat allows the public to fully appreciate the scale of this spectacular and unique piece of medieval embroidery", it added. "It also allows the museum to bring it to life in a new and imaginative way, with digital features helping to deepen understanding."

"The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important and distinctive cultural artefacts in the world. It illustrates the deep ties between Britain and France and captivates people of all backgrounds and all ages", said museum director Nicholas Cullinan.