British Museum announces changes to ease Bayeux Tapestry queues
The British Museum has announced changes to how visitors experience the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition after concerns over long queues and overcrowding.
Measures include:
- Longer opening hours
- An audio guide
- Additional seating
- Clearer signage
A museum spokesperson praised the extraordinary public response to the 11th Century embroidery but acknowledged that some visitors faced longer waits than desired. Reports of two-hour waits and hundreds of ticket holders turned away due to backlogs sparked criticism on social media.
The museum apologised and offered refunds and priority booking slots to those affected.
From Monday, visitors will benefit from:
- An audio guide providing more information about the tapestry
- Enhanced signage and seating for those queuing
- Extended opening hours to prevent queues during the day
(Details of the extended hours will be released later.)
Demand for the exhibition has been high since tickets went on sale in July, with a record 100,000 sold on the first day. Two further ticket release dates are scheduled for October and January.
Ticket prices:
- Adult: £33 (peak times) / £27 (off-peak)
- Children under 16: Free
The exhibition, which opened on 10 September, has faced challenges with queues and congestion. Visitors have been asked to adhere to a 40-minute viewing time, prohibited from taking photos, and guided through the one-way exhibition by a recorded message.