Bayeux Tapestry set to leave Normandy in 2026

In its thousand year lifetime, the tapestry had only ever left Bayeux twice and one of those times was during World War Two when France was under German occupation. Now, for the first time in its history, a deal between British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron has the tapestry bound for a journey across the English Channel.

Renovations at the core of the decision

Even before the decision was made to send the tapestry to London, a scheduled closure had already been planned for the Guillaume-le-Conquérant centre which hosts the tapestry in Bayeux. This building which was specifically setup for the exhibition of the 70 metre-long historical work of art is due to undergo renovations over a two year period, starting on the 1st September of this year. As a result of this, the tapestry was supposed to be put into storage, but French President Emmanuel Macron made the decision to "lend" the tapestry to the British and send it to the United Kingdom for a year.

A sign of good relations between France and the UK

It's a historic deal between the two nations, the British Museum already expects a high influx of visitors to see the symbol of France and Britain's long standing and intertwined history. In exchange for the Bayeux Tapestry France will also be receiving a historical item of great value, the treasure from the Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo; the most impressive medieval grave to have been discovered in Europe.

The tapestry will return in 2027

The return of the Bayeux Tapestry is set to coincide with the reopening of the Guillaume-le-Conquérant museum in September of 2027 after having spent a year abroad. The question of how to transport it is already under discussion with flying and sailing having been ruled out completely, this is to avoid any unnecessary vibrations or strain being inflicted onto the tapestry.

The storage and display conditions are also being discussed for its arrival in London, with experts saying it will have to match or surpass the quality of the setup currently being used in Bayeux. A lot of eyes will be on the tapestry both during transit and after its arrival in the British Museum. It is a delicate artifact of great historical importance and one of Bayeux's most famous landmarks. Its form-factor (70 metres in length and 50 cm wide) will be one of many challenges faced when moving the tapestry from its regular place of residence.