As we approach the 68th anniversary of the Landings, a stay in the touristic area of Bayeux-Bessi ...[+]
The Bayeux Tapestry was listed as « Memory of the World » by UNESCO in 2007, thus ensuring its conservation and its registration as an artefact of universal interest. Saved many times from destruction during history, the "Tale of the Conquest" continues to reveal its secrets.
Exhibited since 1983 at the "Guillaume le Conquérant Centre" - Bayeux's former seminary - the vast wall-hanging has survived almost a thousand years and recounts a famous tale from the 11th century: the Conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy. The Tapestry is a master piece, for its historical value as much as for its aesthetic quality. It was probably Bishop Odo, William's step brother, who ordered it to decorate the nave of the Bayeux Cathedral, during the dedication ceremonies on 14th July 1077. From then on, its journey through time was eventful, and on several occasions, it came close to being destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
In the Middle Ages
In 1476, the Tapestry was mentioned in the Inventory of the Cathedral Treasures. At the time, it was custom to hang it around the nave of the church during the Feast Day of the Relics. During the rest of the year, it was rolled and kept in a wooden chest. Two fires broke out in the Bayeux Cathedral during the Middle Ages, but each time the Tapestry was saved from the flames.
During the French Revolution
Considered in the 18th Century as "Church property", the Tapestry was exposed to public condemnation during the French Revolution. Without the intervention of Lambert Léonard Leforestier, Captain of the National Guard, who hid it in his office, it would have been cut into pieces and used as a simple canvas over army wagons.
During the Second World War
In 1941, the Tapestry was studied by German scientists and was sent to the Chateau of Sourches, for safekeeping with other National Treasures. It came close to being transferred to Germany in 1944. At the Liberation, the Tapestry was exhibited in le Louvre for a while and returned once and for all to Bayeux on March 2nd 1945.
Today, the Tapestry is safe in its showcase, protected from light, humidity and parasites. Each year, it attracts almost 400 000 visitors, and it has seen over 11 million visitors since the opening, in 1983, of the current museum. Registered as "Memory of the World" by UNESCO, the Bayeux Tapestry is recognised as being of Outstanding Universal Value, just like the Declaration of Human Rights, the Appeal of 18 June 1940 by Général de Gaulle and the Lumière films.
In 2012, discover new exhibition spaces at the Museum of the Bayeux Tapestry. a 9-m long viking ship is now settled on the first floor, a new interactive kiosk allows visitors to observe for the first time ever the back of the millennium embroidery ... An opportunity to see or review this World Heritage treasure!
Among the new equipment at the museum, a 9-m long viking ship is now settled on the first floor and a new interactive kiosk allows visitors to observe for the first time ever the back of the millennium embroidery ... An opportunity to see or review this World Heritage treasure!
