The medieval Bayeux Tapestry suffered no visible damage during its journey to London for an exhibition after leaving France for the first time in over 900 years, a French culture ministry official has told AFP.
“I can confirm that there has been no visible alteration and that the tapestry has travelled well,” said Delphine Christophe, director general for heritage and architecture, who is currently at the British Museum in London.
Depicting the 1066 Battle of Hastings and the invasion by William the Conqueror’s Norman army, it is widely thought to have been made in England before being transferred to Bayeux in France.
It is believed to be the first time the fragile, 68-metre embroidered tapestry has left France since then, and the first time it has been moved in more than 40 years.
It will be displayed at the British Museum from September 10th, 2026, to July 11th, 2027, with tens of thousands of tickets already sold.
The tapestry was transported on July 10th to the British Museum for a one‑year loan agreed in 2025 by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Taken to London under tight security by truck from western France, the 11th‑century work was transported in a specially designed double case to limit vibrations and maintain constant temperature and humidity levels.
It was removed from the case on Thursday and fully unwrapped, Christophe said.
“The removal went very smoothly and involved several dozen people,” she said, adding that the number included both British and French experts.
A more detailed assessment will be conducted soon to verify its condition.
Christophe however expressed confidence, saying: “If there had been a problem, we would have noticed it because we saw it in its entirety, completely unfurled.”
Plans to loan the tapestry to London had been considered twice before: in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and in 1966 for the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
Many scholars believe it was made by English women artisans in or around Canterbury in southern England.
It was probably commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux – William the Conqueror’s half-brother – in 1077 to decorate the new cathedral in his hometown, Bayeux, according to the tapestry’s home museum.