By Célia Gueuti & Serge Duchêne
The Bayeux Tapestry is about to leave France. This medieval masterpiece, a 70-metre-long embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England, will go on display at the British Museum in London from September 2026 to July 2027 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror.
Usually displayed in Bayeux, in northern France, the tapestry has been loaned by President Emmanuel Macron as part of celebrations of cross-Channel relations.
French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard hailed 'a political, cultural and symbolic gesture': 'In a world that is fragmenting, that sometimes gives in to the temptation to turn inwards, France remains true to itself and opts for cultural outreach. We choose to affirm that the great democracies and ancient nations of Europe are meant to enrich one another', she said.
According to tradition, it was Matilda of Flanders, wife of King William the Conqueror, who is said to have made the tapestry during his military campaign.
