British Museum director apologises for Bayeux Tapestry chaos as tickets go back on sale

From the Newshound archive · first published 4 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan has apologised after visitors faced hours-long queues, were rushed through the exhibition, or were turned away entirely despite holding valid tickets. The museum is now extending opening hours, adding audio guides, and improving signage after weeks of complaints about the once-in-a-generation show.

On one evening last week, a private gala dinner prompted an early closure that left hundreds of ticket holders unable to enter; those affected will receive refunds and priority rebooking.

Blind visitor Yusuf Ali Osman filed a legal complaint accusing the museum of breaching the Equality Act by failing to provide audio-described tours; the museum has since promised to add them.