British Museum boss apologises for Bayeux Tapestry visitor issues
BBC News
The head of the British Museum has apologised for the experience some visitors have had at its blockbuster Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
Changes to Bayeux Tapestry Visitor Experience
The London institution has announced changes to how visitors see the historic work over concerns of overcrowding.
"Anyone that doesn't have a good experience, we're really sorry about that and we want to put it right," said Nicholas Cullinan, the British Museum's director.
The new plans include:
- Longer opening hours
- An audio guide
- Additional seating
- Clearer signage
Some people reported waits of up to two hours. Last week, hundreds of ticket holders were reportedly turned away due to backlogs when the museum closed early for a private event.
Cullinan addressed the issues, stating:
"You don't want anyone that comes to see it to have a bad experience, so our focus is very much on getting it right and learning lessons... The vast number of visitors report having a very good experience."
He also denied the museum had let too many people book tickets, attributing the issues to visitors wanting to spend more time with the work than expected.
"The problem isn't just the interest, it's that people want to spend more time than anticipated. And that's a good thing. We want people to come and enjoy it, but it means we have to adjust accordingly and that's what we're doing."
Accessibility Concerns
While the museum has faced criticism over accessibility, Cullinan said they had done "everything they could" given the requirement to lay the tapestry flat.
The exhibition has sold a record 100,000 tickets since tickets went on sale in July, with additional tickets available in October and January.
Adult tickets cost £33 during peak times and £27 at off-peak hours, compared to the €12 (£10) fee to see the tapestry in Bayeux, Normandy. Children under 16 can visit the London exhibition for free.
The 70-metre-long Bayeux Tapestry depicts 58 scenes outlining the Norman conquest of England, the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in Britain.