Bayeux Tapestry arrives at British Museum after overnight journey from France

The Bayeux Tapestry arrived at the British Museum in the middle of the night after traveling from France. The nearly 1,000-year-old embroidered cloth will be on public display from September 2026 to July 2027. French President Emmanuel Macron said the loan shows what the two countries can achieve when they join forces. He called the arrangement a tangible expression of long-standing friendship.

the loan The tapestry depicts events leading to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It consists of 58 scenes embroidered on linen with coloured woollen yarns. Mr Macron first announced the loan in 2018. An earlier plan for a 2022 exhibition did not take place.

During a visit to the UK last year, he confirmed the September 2026 to July 2027 dates. The agreement includes loans of British artifacts to French museums, such as pieces from the Sutton Hoo site, the Lewis chessmen, and the Battersea Shield.

reactions Mr Macron posted on X in the early hours that the tapestry had set off for London. m. confirming the item had arrived safely at the British Museum. >"The Bayeux Tapestry has set off for London.

logistics French art historian Didier Rykner launched a petition against the loan, citing risks to the fabric during transport. The petition gathered over 40,000 signatures. The tapestry was removed from its museum in Normandy in September 2025 for the first time since 1983. Officials estimate 7.5 million visitors will view the work during its stay in London.