Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux
Museum displaying the Bayeux Tapestry, an 11th-century embroidery on the conquest of England in 1066; closed for renovation until October 2027.
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About the museum
The Bayeux Tapestry is a wool embroidery on linen, nearly 70 meters long and about 50 centimeters high. It tells the story of the conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, in 1066, and it is listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. It is reportedly commissioned by Odo, Bishop of Bayeux and half-brother of William, and is said to have remained for about seven centuries in the treasury of Bayeux Cathedral.
In June 1944 a German commission for the protection of works of art ordered its transfer to Paris. Since 1983 the tapestry has been displayed in Bayeux in the former Grand Seminary, known as the Centre Guillaume le Conquérant, at 13 bis rue de Nesmond. The museum belongs to the City of Bayeux, which also runs the Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire Baron Gérard.
To improve the reception of some 400,000 visitors a year, a new building is planned. The museum has been closed for renovation and extension work since September 2025, and reopening is announced for October 2027. During this period the tapestry is not on display in Bayeux.
Highlights
- Embroidery of nearly 70 meters on the conquest of England in 1066
- Figures include William, Edward the Confessor, Harold and Bishop Odo
- Ships, horsemen, chain mail and fantastic animals
- Inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register
- Former Grand Seminary of Bayeux
- Founded
- 1983
- Operated by
- Ville de Bayeux
- Visitors per year
- approx. 445,589
Admission & discounts
The museum is closed for works until October 2027.
Accessibility
The museum is closed for works until October 2027.
Kids & families
The museum is closed for works until October 2027.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Gare de Bayeux
Bayeux SNCF station; the city's three museums are about 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the station.
By car
Parking available
Parking is available in the immediate vicinity. By car from Caen: N13, exit 36 towards Bayeux; from Rennes: A84 or E03 towards Caen, exit 43, then D6.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum is closed for works until October 2027.
Events & venue rental
The museum is closed for works until October 2027.
