EthiopiaBritish Museum Improves Bayeux Tapestry Access
The British Museum has introduced new measures to make the Bayeux Tapestry more accessible, including longer opening hours and audio guides. Classicist Mary Beard suggested 'tweaks' to the museum's handling of queues after visitors complained of waiting for hours.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The British Museum has announced new measures to improve access to the Bayeux Tapestry, which has been on display in England for the first time in nearly 1,000 years. The measures include longer opening hours, a new audio guide, and additional signage and seating.
Mary Beard, a trustee of the museum, visited the queue and submitted a list of improvements after visitors complained of waiting for hours. Some visitors were turned away with no guarantee of getting another time slot.
Beard said she had some sympathies for the museum, noting that 'teething troubles' were expected. She suggested that more benches and guidance on wait times were necessary.
The museum has also introduced audio description tours for blind people after a legal threat from accessibility activist Yusuf Osman. Osman, who is registered blind, said he wanted to experience the Bayeux Tapestry for himself.
The audio description tours provide a detailed description of the objects in the exhibition, as well as historic information. The museum had initially refused to provide audio-described tours, citing restrictions on the number of hours of light exposure permitted on the tapestry each week.
The next wave of public tickets for the Bayeux Tapestry will go on sale on October 21 at 10am. Adult tickets cost £33 during peak times and £27 at off-peak times.
The British Museum has worked to address the issues with queuing and waiting times, which had been a major problem for visitors. The new measures aim to make the viewing experience more enjoyable and accessible for all visitors.
Key facts
- The British Museum has introduced new measures to improve access to the Bayeux Tapestry.
- The measures include longer opening hours, a new audio guide, and additional signage and seating.
- Audio description tours are now available for blind people.
- The next wave of public tickets will go on sale on October 21 at 10am.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The British Museum's efforts to improve access to the Bayeux Tapestry are a positive step towards making the exhibition more enjoyable for all visitors. The introduction of audio description tours is a significant improvement for blind people. Visitors can expect a more streamlined experience with the new measures in place.
Positive
The British Museum's decision to introduce new measures to improve access to the Bayeux Tapestry is a testament to the museum's commitment to making its exhibitions accessible to all. The audio description tours will provide a more inclusive experience for blind people.
Negative
The British Museum's initial handling of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition was criticized for its long queues and lack of accessibility. The museum's refusal to provide audio-described tours was seen as a major oversight. While the new measures are an improvement, some visitors may still experience difficulties.
Your week in news, every Wednesday
The biggest stories of the week for your edition, in your inbox every Wednesday morning, your time. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.