British Museum bans visitors from photographing Bayeux Tapestry
Some ticket holders have reportedly been turned away from the exhibition because previous visitors had taken too long taking photos
The British Museum has imposed a ban on visitors taking photographs of the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, citing concerns that the practice was causing delays for others eager to view the historic artifact. The 70-meter-long embroidery, on loan to the UK for the first time since its creation nearly a millennium ago, is the centerpiece of a special exhibition that has attracted unprecedented interest.
Visitors initially had the option to capture images of the tapestry when the show opened on September 10th. However, the following day, the museum updated its policy, announcing on its website that photography was now prohibited. Museum spokesperson explained, "To ensure the best experience for all, we have made the decision to restrict photography while moving along the length of the tapestry."
The exhibition has proven exceptionally popular, selling out tickets within hours and anticipating around one million visitors by July 11th, 2027. Tourists are assigned 40-minute slots and encouraged to move swiftly through the display case housing the tapestry. A recent review in The Art Newspaper highlighted the high cost per minute of admission and suggested prior knowledge of the tapestry's history to enrich the experience.
However, initial reports revealed issues with visitors being turned away due to delays in moving along the tapestry. The lights used for illumination, mandated by the loan agreement, had to be turned off for those affected, leading to refunds or rescheduling opportunities.
Written by urgent.news from The Art Newspaper's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
