Two Bayeux Tapestries. One unforgettable journey. Plan your visit to Reading Museum today!
For the first time ever, visitors can see both Britain’s and Normandy’s Bayeux Tapestries in England in the same year. Even better, they are less than an hour apart on the Elizabeth Line - making Reading Museum the perfect destination for your Norman adventure. We are part of Bayeux Around Britain - the British Museum's UK-wide initiative.
Britain's Bayeux Tapestry
In 1066, William the Conqueror became King of England, embedding Norman influence deeply in British culture, language and architecture. A story that comes alive in Reading's famous full-size Victorian version of the Bayeux Tapestry, that is displayed in its magnificent entirety at Reading Museum. Reading's tapestry celebrates its own 140th anniversary in 2026.
William owned Reading and gave land here to Battle Abbey, the monastery he founded on the site of his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. In 1121 William's youngest son King Henry I founded his own royal monastery, Reading Abbey, where he was buried in 1136.
Discover Reading’s Norman Story
2026 and 2027 is also 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror marked with the European Year of the Normans. We are proudly showcasing Reading's rich Norman legacy with a vibrant programme of special events centred on Britain's Bayeux Tapestry at Reading Museum and Reading's royal abbey.
The Bayeux Tapestry Gallery at Reading Museum
Bayeux Tapestry Talks Series - BOOKING NOW
We have a series of special talks as part of Bayeux Around Britain:
Saturday 24 Oct 2026 - Exhibiting the Bayeux Tapestry - Professor Michael Lewis: Curator of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum and co-author of ‘The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry’
Saturday 14 Nov 2026 - The Bayeux Tapestry: a Medieval Embroidery with Superpowers - Dr. David Musgrove: Co-author of ‘The Story of the Bayeux Tapestry’
Saturday 6 February 2027- Henry V, Duke of Normandy: Reviving the Memory of William the Conqueror in the Hundred Years War - Professor Anne Curry: Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, University of Southampton
Adults, starts at 11am , £15 each (or £40 for all three talks), Booking open now
Plan your visit to Reading now!
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to step into history and experience the Norman story like never before:
- Visit Britain's Bayeux Tapestry at Reading Museum
- Book a Tapestry guided tour to get even more out of your visit - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
- Discover Reading's historic Abbey Quarter
- See Jane Austen's school and King Henry I's burial site on an Abbey Quarter tour
- Book a ticket of Bayeux Tapestry Talk series
- Explore Reading’s Norman heritage through guided tours, talks, displays, digital resources, and family‑friendly events - see our what's on page.
- Enjoy local hospitality, dining, and cultural experiences that bring the Norman story to life - find out more on the Visit Reading website
Bayeux Tapestry Gallery Access
The Bayeux Tapestry gallery is usually open every day during our opening hours. However, the Year of the Normans in 2026-2027 means this will be a popular gallery for visitors and schools.
Many school groups use our galleries in term-time weekdays between 10am and 2.15pm, the Bayeux Tapestry may be closed during school workshops. The galleries are generally quieter after 2.30pm.
You can open this Calendar to see all days and times when the Bayeux Gallery will be closed to the general public in the next few months.
Please note that we might add more dates if new bookings come in (check the calendar regularly and contact us before you plan a visit)
If you wish to see a particularly gallery it is advisable contact us in advance to check access and opening times.
Plan your trip to Reading and be part of the European Year of the Normans!
