Bayeux Tapestry Museum
Normandie
The Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Normandy, France, houses the extraordinary Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth nearly 70 meters long that vividly narrates the events leading to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Created in the 11th century, likely commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, the tapestry portrays the story from the Norman perspective, culminating in the Battle of Hastings. It is a masterpiece of Romanesque art, embroidered with colored wool yarns on linen, featuring 58 scenes with Latin inscriptions. The tapestry is invaluable for its detailed depiction of medieval life, including clothing, ships, and castles, and is considered both a historical document and a work of propaganda legitimizing William the Conqueror's claim. The museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying this rare textile artifact, offering visitors an immersive experience into 11th-century history and art. Currently, the museum is closed for renovations until October 2027, but it remains a key cultural site in Normandy.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit after the museum's scheduled reopening in October 2027. It is advisable to check the official website for updated opening hours and ticketing information. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues. The museum is accessible by car, train, and from Paris by train. Discounts may be available for certain groups, so checking in advance is beneficial.
Interesting facts
- •The Bayeux Tapestry is nearly 70 meters (230 feet) long and depicts 58 scenes from the Norman Conquest of England.
- •It contains 623 human figures, 994 animals, 438 plants, 37 buildings, and 41 ships embroidered in colored wool yarns.
- •The tapestry was likely commissioned by Bishop Odo, William the Conqueror's half-brother, and made in England in the 1070s.
- •It is considered a rare example of secular Romanesque art and is embroidered rather than woven, differing from traditional tapestries.
- •The tapestry narrowly escaped destruction during the French Revolution and has been preserved for over nine centuries.
History
The Bayeux Tapestry dates back to the 11th century, shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
It was likely commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, William the Conqueror's half-brother, and crafted in England by Anglo-Saxon artisans.
The tapestry was rediscovered in 1729 in Bayeux Cathedral, where it had been preserved for centuries.
Over time, it has survived nearly intact and is now recognized as a significant artifact of medieval European history and art.
The tapestry has been exhibited continuously in Bayeux since 1983 and is listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World register since 2007.
Place Guide
The Bayeux Tapestry11th century
The centerpiece of the museum is the Bayeux Tapestry itself, a nearly 70-meter-long embroidered cloth illustrating the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It features detailed scenes with Latin inscriptions, depicting key figures such as William the Conqueror and Harold II, and provides insights into 11th-century medieval life.
Contact
Phone: 02 31 51 25 50
