Tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry when it goes on view at the British Museum are already "very limited" after the first batch sold rapidly following the release yesterday (1 July).
The British Museum's website says ticket availability between September and December 2026 is "now very limited, but there will be further ticket releases later in the year".
The museum opened ticket sales to the public on Wednesday at 10am, with more than 65,000 people joining the online queue, the BBC reports.
A message on the booking page said: "We're currently experiencing high levels of demand. Booking online is still recommended however wait times may extend up to 9 hours. At this time we still have good ticket availability."
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The 70-metre-long masterpiece was created in the UK and dates back to the 11th century.
It is being loaned to the British Museum from September 2026 through July 2027 as part of a historic agreement with France. The work will by displayed flat for the first time and in one continuous length in a specially made case.
Nicholas Cullinan, director of the British Museum, said in a previous statement: "The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most important surviving works from the medieval world and an extraordinary account of a defining moment in our history.
The Bayeux Tapestry is being loaned to the British Museum from September 2026 through July 2027La Fabrique de patrimoines en Normandie, Antoine Cazin
"Since we first announced this historic loan, we have been committed to ensuring as many people as possible can see it, and we're excited about welcoming the first visitors through the doors on the 10th of September."
Tickets to see the Bayeux Tapestry are priced from £25 to £33 depending on the day and time of the visit.
More tickets will be released in October for dates between January and March, followed by another release in January for dates between April and July.
Images courtesy of the British Museum
