The Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Press kit

Press contacts Magali Bignon, Jean-François Leloup and Séline Duval Tel: +33 (0)2 31 51 60 47 Email: [email protected]

2011 edition

1 The Bayeux Tapestry

Contents

The Bayeux Tapestry, A thousand year old tale 3 A masterpiece of aesthetism 4 A historic masterpiece 5 The epic of William the Conqueror 6 An eventful journey through history 7 An inexhaustible source for researchers 8

Recognition of the Bayeux Tapestry The Bayeux Tapestry listed “Memory of the World” by UNESCO 9 International partnerships 10

The museum: showcase of the Tapestry Visiting the museum 11 The Tapestry told for children 12 All year round events at the museum 13 Museum services 14 Practical information 15

The museum in action The Bayeux Tapestry Museum in figures 16 A museum shop with a difference 17

Tourism Bayeux, home of the Tapestry 18 Around Bayeux: theme routes 19

Contacts 20

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The Bayeux Tapestry

Unique artefact of its kind, the Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidery of wool yarn on woven linen, made in the 11th Century. It is 70 metres long and 50 centimetres high, and recounts the tale of the conquest of England on 14th October 1066, led by William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy.

Remarkably well preserved, the Bayeux Tapestry features on UNESCO's “Memory of the World” Register, thus ensuring its conservation and its registration as an artefact of universal value. Saved many times from destruction through the course of history, the ' Cloth of the Conquest ' (its other name) continues to reveal its secrets today.

The Tapestry has been displayed at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum since 1983, a public museum housed in Centre Guillaume le Conquérant (formerly the Grand Séminaire).

In recent years, a new impetus was given to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, spurred on by Patrick Gomont, Mayor of Bayeux, and his deputy Loïc Jamin, Head of Tourism and Museums. An unprecedented modernisation campaign was undertaken: this included new museography, a new film, a new website, an on-line store, renovations to the cinema, new signposting, the refurbishment of the reception area and the organisation of international exhibitions.

With close to 400,000 visitors every year, the Bayeux Tapestry attracts people from all over the world and is still the subject of many scientific research projects.

A visit to the museum allows members of the public to see the Tapestry in its entirety, to get up close without damaging it, and to understand its history, and how it was made.

From 31st March to 30th December 2011, part of the museum space will be devoted to the exceptional exhibition “Emakimono and the Bayeux Tapestry – Animated Cartoons from the Middle Ages”, officially recognised as being of national interest by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. (Press kit available on request).

Press contacts Magali Bignon, Jean-François Leloup and Séline Duval Tel: +33 (0)2 31 51 60 47 Email: [email protected]

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The Embroidery

Key markers A masterpiece of aesthetism 58 scenes in total. 25 scenes in France. 33 scenes in England, This colourful embroidery, of simple yet very including 10 scenes depicting expressive lines, possesses an aesthetic value the Battle of Hastings. unique in the world. The relief, suggested by the colours and the juxtaposition of different The cloth embroidery stitches, brings the story to life. Length: 68.58 m. Width: approx. 50 cm. The Bayeux Tapestry is a long band of linen Central section: approx. 34 cm. embroidered with 10 shades of yarn, blended together Two friezes: approx. 8 cm each. to form a lively, harmonious piece and to create an 9 pieces of fabric sewn impression of perspective. together. The art of Bayeux needlework is still practised today The largest piece of fabric and the Bayeux Tapestry continues to inspire people. measures 13.90 m. The smallest piece measures The embroidery is made up of several parts: 2.43 m. 10 shades of yarn.
The central panel, the longest section, tells the story of the conquest of England. It contains comments The characters embroidered in Latin, which give indications of the 626 characters depicted. events and the people depicted. 53 names embroidered, of which 15 are mentioned several
The upper and lower friezes are embroidered with times. various animals, including cocks, peacocks, lions, bears, rams and stags. The places The friezes are animated with isolated characters, 37 buildings. scenes of everyday life and depictions of Aesop's and 14 places in France and Phèdre's fables ( The Fox and the Crow , The Wolf and England. the Crane and others).

The armies The stitches used in the embroidery: 41 ships.

202 horses and mules. 200 coats of mail.
Stem stitches are used to create the lines and outlines.

Mythological animals
The couching stitch or "Bayeux stitch" is employed to fill Amphisbaenae in the coloured areas, outlined with a stem stitch and (reptiles with two heads, one of performed in three stages. which is attached to the tail). Manticores
The chain stitch was often used in successive (lions with human heads). restoration works. Female centaurs. Winged horses. The fabric: Griffins and winged lions. Dragons. The fabric, woven in the 11th Century, is made from linen. The nine panels that form the Tapestry were sewn together before the embroidery was started. A lining was sewn onto the back in 1724. The scenes were numbered much later, almost certainly in the 18th Century.

4 Chronology The Bayeux Tapestry

1077: The Bayeux Cathedral was formally consecrated. A historic masterpiece The Tapestry was probably commissioned by Odon, Bishop of Bayeux, to decorate the monument. The Bayeux Tapestry is a Romanesque masterpiece from the 11th Century; it was most 1476: The Tapestry was probably commissioned by Bishop Odon, William mentioned in the Inventory of the Conqueror's half-brother, to decorate the the Cathedral Treasures. cathedral during its consecration, on 14th July 1077. It relates the events of the conquest of 1728: A canon described the England led by the Duke of Normandy, who custom of hanging the Tapestry defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings in once a year in the nave, from 1066. St. John's Day to the eve of the consecration, on 14th July. The tale commences in 1064, when the king of England, Edward the Confessor, asked Harold, his brother-in-law, 1794: The Arts Council for the to journey to Normandy to offer his distant cousin district of Bayeux seized the William the throne of England. Tapestry to protect it as a national treasure. Whilst sailing across the Channel, Harold’s boat drifted east. He landed in the inhospitable region of Picardie, 1804: Napoleon Bonaparte ruled by Count Guy de Ponthieu, and was taken displayed the Tapestry at the prisoner. The Duke of Normandy negotiated Harold's Louvre then returned it to release in exchange for a ransom. Bayeux. William and Harold joined forces to fight against the

Count of Brittany. Harold, praised for his bravery, was 1812: The Tapestry was on public display in Bayeux town knighted by William. hall until 1842. After conveying the King’s message, Harold swore fealty The caretaker unrolled it by to William, on the sacred relics of Bayeux Cathedral. He hand before each visit. then returned to England to talk to King Edward.

1842: The Tapestry was When Edward died, Harold betrayed his oath and exhibited under glass at the accepted the throne. On 6th January 1066, Harold was library on the Place du château crowned king of England in the place of William. - now known as Place de On learning the news, William decided to go and take Gaulle. what was rightfully his. His fleet crossed the Channel on the night of 28th September. William and his army took 1913: The Tapestry was moved up position in Hastings and waited for Harold and his to Hôtel du Doyen in Bayeux. troops.

1944: The Tapestry was stored On the morning of 14th October 1066, the battle away in Sourches, then at the commenced and the Normans were victorious. Harold Louvre after being inspected in died at the end of the day, shot in the eye by an arrow. Bayeux by German scientists. The tale told in the Tapestry ends with the defeat of the 1945: The Tapestry was Saxon troops. William was crowned King of England in returned to Bayeux and was December 1066 at Westminster Abbey in London. then displayed at Hôtel du Doyen from 1948. The Tapestry is not simply the narration of a military operation; it is also a spiritual relic that Since 1983: The Tapestry has describes how the breach of an oath is punished. been exhibited in the “Centre Guillaume le Conquérant” (the old seminary), next to the library, where it remains today. 5 The Bayeux Tapestry

Chronology

1027: William was born in The epic of William the Conqueror Falaise, Calvados.

1035: He was named Duke of The hero of the tale is William, seventh Duke of Normandy at the age of 8. Normandy. Once crowned King of England, he became one of western Europe's most powerful 1047: Victory over the rebel monarchs of the Middle Ages. Norman barons at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes. Born out of wedlock in Falaise in 1027, he was the son of Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy, and 1050: William wedded Matilda Herlette, a tanner's daughter. His illegitimacy earned of Flanders, a distant cousin. him the nickname “William the Bastard”.

1059: With Matilda, he built the Abbaye aux Hommes and In 1035, aged just 8, he succeeded his father, who died the Abbaye aux Dames in Caen. during his journey back from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The Duchy of Normandy was weakened by 1066: Death of King Edward in conflicts and plotting, but the young Duke succeeded in England. imposing his power. In 1047, his victory at Val-ès- Battle of Hastings and William's Dunes near Caen marked an important turning point in coronation in London. his reign. He gained full control of Normandy and earned the loyalty of his vassals. 1083: Matilda died. In 1050, he married Matilda, his cousin, five times 1087: William the Conqueror removed, and daughter of Baldwin V, Count of Flanders. died and was buried in St A papal ban was placed on their union on the grounds of Stephen's Church in the Abbaye consanguinity. The marriage nonetheless went ahead. aux Hommes in Caen. In repentance to the church, William agreed to build two abbeys in Caen.

In 1064, King Edward of England was without a direct heir. He was very attached to Normandy, having taken refuge there for 30 years, and so he chose William as his successor to the throne.

Betrayed by Harold, William became King of England after defeating the Saxons at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. He asserted his power and founded a strong Anglo-Norman kingdom. William the Conqueror commissioned a census of the population and an inventory of the Kingdom’s wealth: “The Domesday Book”. He had numerous buildings erected, including the Tower of London, made from Caen stone.

Before he died in 1087, four years after Matilda, he wrote his will. He bequeathed the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of England to his sons. William and Matilda both rest in the abbeys they built in Caen. William's descendants reigned jointly over Normandy and England until 1204, the year in which the Duchy of Normandy was united with the Royal Kingdom of France.

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An eventful journey through history

The Tapestry, since its making, has survived many vicissitudes. A series of tumultuous events in history endangered or nearly damaged the relic.

In the Middle Ages

In 1476, the Tapestry is listed as one of the hangings in the Inventory of Bayeux Cathedral Treasures. It was the custom at the time to hang the Tapestry around the nave on the Feast Day of the Relics. The rest of the year it was rolled up and stored 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

It was not until the 18th Century that the Tapestry aroused an interest other than religious. In 1730, a complete reproduction was published in a book entitled “Monuments of French Monarchy” by Dom Bernard de Montfaucon, a Benedictine monk. Considered as church property, the Tapestry suffered public condemnation during the French Revolution. It was very nearly cut into pieces to be used as a simple canvas over army wagons. The captain of the National Guard, Lambert Leonard Le Forestier, saved it and kept it out of harm's way in his office.

In the 19th Century

Several pieces and threads of yarn went missing during this period. A British draughtsman, Charles Stothard, came into possession of a fragment of fabric (whether it was given to him or stolen remains unknown). It was returned to the town of Bayeux by Kensington Museum in 1871.

During the Second World War

After being examined by German scientists in 1941, the Tapestry was stowed away at Château de Sourches, near Le Mans, to be conserved together with other National Treasures. On 2nd March 1945, after a brief exhibition at the Louvre, it was returned permanently to Bayeux.

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An inexhaustible source for researchers

The Bayeux Tapestry continues to inspire historians and authors. Several books and theses are published every year around the world, dealing with various aspects of the Tapestry or formulating a number of divergent theories on the origins and significance of the embroidery.

Mysterious characters

Aelfgyva is the character in the Tapestry who sparks the most controversy. Described by some as William's daughter, by others as Harold's sister, much has been written about her. Scene 15, in which she is slapped, remains a mystery. Is she a scandalous woman punished for her behaviour? Or is this the allegory for an important event of that period?

Turold is a character found in scene 10. His name is embroidered in such a manner that it is difficult to tell if it refers to the dwarf or to the tall knight beside him. What role did he play to be mentioned by name? He is believed to have belonged to Odon's entourage, but nothing is certain.

New avenues...

A discussion on the Viking characteristics in the Tapestry was held at a conference entitled “Following the Vikings’ Footsteps” in 2007, as part of an exhibition of the same name.

New research is being conducted today, focusing on the link between the scenes in the central part of the Tapestry and the images embroidered in the friezes.

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Preservation

The Bayeux Tapestry is a The Bayeux Tapestry listed masterpiece embroidered 'Memory of the World' by UNESCO nearly 1,000 years ago. It benefits from exceptional conditions of preservation, a key factor in its registration by On 2nd August 2007, the Bayeux Tapestry was UNESCO. registered by UNESCO as “Memory of the World”, as was the Declaration of Human Rights, General Light, dust, changes in de Gaulle's famous Appeal on 18th June 1940 and temperature, insects and mould the Lumière films. all endanger the preservation of cloth. The memory of the world is fragile. Whilst the “World Heritage” list bestows international recognition on Behind its glass showcase, the exceptional sites, the “Memory of the World” register Tapestry is on display 360 days compiles various kinds of documents of universal value a year, under dim lighting to - from photographs and sound recordings to audiovisual prevent the colours from and multimedia materials. The objective of UNESCO's fading. programme is to safeguard valuable archive holdings and library collections, and to ensure they are The temperature is maintained preserved in the best conditions. The Bayeux Tapestry at 18-20°C, with a level of is an exception, as most of the other registered works humidity at around 50%, to are not on public display. prevent the fibres in the linen and yarns from deteriorating. Since 1997, the International Committee has been holding meetings once every two years. It has registered eight French works: The library of the Cistercian Abbey of Clairvaux at the time of Pierre de Virey; the Declaration on the Rights of Man and of the Citizen; Declaration on the Rights of Man in Society; the Lumière Films; the Appeal of 18th June 1940; the introduction of the decimal metric system; the Bibliotheca Corviniana, and the Bayeux Tapestry.

Two plaques at the entrance of the museum, one in French, the other in English, are testimonies of the Tapestry's universal value. The town of Bayeux thus places itself amongst the world's most popular cultural destinations.

To read more about the Memory of the World Registry: www.unesco.org

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International partnerships

The Bayeux Tapestry Museum maintains strong ties with other international museums, through the organisation of exhibitions and conferences. These partnerships help to extend the Tapestry's reputation across the world.

The National Museum of Denmark The exhibition “Following the Vikings’ Footsteps” left Denmark's National Museum in January 2007 for one unique presentation in France, at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum for a period of four months. This unique partnership highlighted the Viking influence in the Tapestry, by displaying various artefacts, including weapons, costumes and boats. The exhibition was accompanied by a conference with talks given by eminent historians and scientists from around the world. Since then, the exhibition has toured several museums in Scandinavia and paused throughout 2009-2010 at the Archaeological Museum of Frankfurt in Germany.

The archaeological site of Battle in England Battle, a small village near Hastings, was the scene of the famous Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum is a partner of the archaeological site's new interactive exhibit. Digital reproductions of the Tapestry are part of a modern museum experience. To read more about the site in Battle: www.1066country.com www.english-heritage.org.uk

Conference at the British Museum in London An international conference was held at the British Museum in July 2008 to discuss recent research on the making of the Bayeux Tapestry and its historic value. The proceedings of the conference will be published in the Spring of 2011.

Idemitsu Museum in Tokyo From March to December 2011, the museum will host an exhibition entitled “Emakimono and the Bayeux Tapestry – Animated Cartoons from the Middle Ages”. The key work for this exhibition is a loan from the Japanese Museum.

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History of the building Visiting the museum Built in 1693, the Seminary of Bayeux was the place where The Tapestry has been displayed in a 17 th Century future priests of the diocese former seminary in Bayeux since 1983. The were taught from the late spacious building is an ideal showcase, with a 17th Century until 1969. direct access to the masterpiece, and offers museum facilities, entirely dedicated to the The classic building was erected Tapestry. on the site of the former priory of the Canons Regular under Ground floor Augustinian rule. The Tapestry Gallery : the linen is displayed, entirely unrolled and protected from the light in a horseshoe- All that remains today of the shaped room. Audio guides providing commentary on priory is the chapel (in the Cour each of the 58 scenes are available in 14 languages*, d'honneur). Along with the with a children's version in English or French. cathedral, it is the only Gothic *French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, building in Bayeux with its Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Russian, Hebrew and Czech. architecture still intact. First floor In 1983, the seminary was Exhibition room: This area reveals precious renamed “Centre Guillaume le information about the Bayeux Tapestry, and places it in Conquérant” and hosts today its historical context. This part of the exhibition was the Bayeux Tapestry Museum specifically designed to adjust the visitors’ outlook on and the public library. the masterpiece as they go deeper in their understanding of the Tapestry. Includes realistic models of ships, buildings, maps and everyday scenes and objects to further the public's understanding of the Middle Ages.

Second floor Cinema: every 20 minutes (alternately in French and English) a film in high definition showing a re- enactment of the Battle of Hastings - combined with special effects - explains how and why William became king of England. Education Room: a half-scale reproduction of the Tapestry is on display here. This 130 m2 area is dedicated to the study of various scenes. Some are enlarged and accompanied with chronological annotations and a translation in English and French of the embroidered Latin text.

In the Cour d’Honneur , the 13th-century chapel of the former seminary is dedicated to temporary exhibitions open to the public.

The visit includes access to the temporary exhibition “Emakimono and the Bayeux Tapestry – Animated Cartoons from the Middle Ages”, running from 31st March to 30th December 2011.

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Children's publications

The Tapestry told for children

Children are fascinated by the legendary world of knights. The Bayeux Tapestry Museum brings the epic of William the Conqueror to life for its younger visitors, with specially adapted museum facilities and exclusive children publications.

Play with William the Conqueror Visit to the museum Lescaille, Mélisande, Luthringer, Vidana The story of the conquest of England and the Battle of Normandie Junior, 65 pages Hastings is told for young visitors with audio guides, offering a commentary designed for children up to the age of 11 (simplified vocabulary). Available in French and English.

In the Interpretation Room (Salle Guillaume), models and mannequins allow young visitors to delve into the world of William the Conqueror. A colouring area is available to children to pause over key moments of the Tapestry, giving adults the The Story of a Conquest opportunity to read the information panels. D. Lemaresquier and G. Pivard OREP, 48 pages Available in French and English Exclusive children's publications

Thanks to a pro-active approach and the development of partnerships with specialised publishers, the museum proposes an exciting collection of children's books in its shop. The world of William the Conqueror and the Middle Ages are explored through books, puzzle books, posters, comic books and board games. Will you be King of England? A variety of objects such as costumes, small figurines D. Lemaresquier and G. Pivard and jewellery transport children back to the time of OREP, 32 pages knights. Available in French and English

William the Conqueror Puzzle book OREP, 40 pages Available in French and English

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Temporary exhibitions

The 13th Century chapel, All year round events at the museum situated in the museum's courtyard, was restored in 1994. In May In 2005, the interior was The Night of the Museums refurbished to host temporary exhibitions all year round, For several years now, on the occasion of the European notably the photo exhibition for cultural event “the Night of the Museums”, the general the Bayeux-Calvados War public is invited to discover the Bayeux Tapestry, free of Correspondent Prize. charge from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The themes of the exhibitions generally have a link with the In September Tapestry, textile art, Bayeux Heritage Days and its history. Introduced in 1984 by the Ministry of Culture, “Heritage Find out more by visiting the Days” take place on the third weekend of September. museum’s website: archives of This annual event is a chance for the public to discover past exhibitions, latest news on local historical monuments. upcoming events in the chapel... The Bayeux Tapestry Museum takes part in the open days and holds theme events each year. Free entry to the museum all weekend.

In winter Embroidery workshop

Every Tuesday, from November to March in the museum shop, a professional embroiderer, Chantal James, gives demonstrations of the Bayeux stitch.

All year round Mystery walk or the Bayeux Tapestry through the city

To prolong your visit, the museum proposes a mystery trail in the streets of Bayeux. An enjoyable way to follow the tapestry back through history. The booklet is available free of charge at the museum and at the tourist office.

Programme of events at the Bayeux Tapestry Museum: www.tapisserie-bayeux.fr > Events

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Shop/bookshop

The shop is located in an Museum services impressive vaulted room. Free admission (entrance independent from the Booking service for groups museum). This service is available for tour organisers and agencies Visitors will find a wide to make visits to the museum as a group more selection of specialist books, comfortable. Includes priority admission to the Tapestry DVDs, publications in several exhibition gallery. languages, board games, Medieval games, textile products and souvenirs. Contact:

Booking service

Aline Levavasseur Parking Tel: +33 (0)2 31 51 25 58 or (0)2 31 51 25 50 Fax: +33 (0)2 31 51 25 57 Michel d'Ornano car park Email: [email protected]

Free parking 150 metres from the Bayeux Tapestry Museum, including 30 coach spaces and a rest area for drivers.

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Getting to Bayeux

Bayeux is located 160 miles Practical information from Paris and 18 miles from Caen (a 20 minute journey Admission from Caen).

By car The museum is open all year, 7 days a week Direct access by motorway A13 or A84, then RN13. Annual closing: - 2nd week of January (Monday to Friday) By train - from 24th December 12.30 p.m. to 26th December 2 p.m. - from 31st December 12.30 p.m. to 2nd January 2 p.m. On the Paris-Cherbourg line

SNCF station 500 metres from the museum Visit to the Bayeux Tapestry with audio-guide, available in 14 languages: French, English, German, By plane Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Swedish, Russian, Norwegian, Caen-Carpiquet Airport (12 Danish, Spanish, Chinese, Czech and Hebrew. miles) Special children's audio guide available in French and By car ferry English. Caen-Ouistreham Port (18 miles) Opening times

Contact From 15th March to 15th November

Bayeux Regional Tourist 9.00 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. (7 p.m. May to August) Office From 16th November to 14th March Pont Saint-Jean 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 14400 Bayeux, France Tel: +33 (0)2 31 51 28 28 Last admission: 45 minutes before closing. Fax: +33 (0)2 31 51 28 29 www.bessin-normandie.com 2011 Rates

Individual tickets: Adult Child/Student Under 10 €7.80 €3.80 Free Adult concession €5.20 Child concession €2.80

Groups (from 20 visitors) Adult groups: €5.20 per person School groups: €2.80 per pupil from 1st October to 31st May €3.80 per pupil from 1st June to 30th September Free for primary school pupils Adults accompanying a group (one free admission for every 8 visitors) School groups from Calvados: free from 1st November to 15th March 15 The Bayeux Tapestry

Museum milestones

1983 : The museum was The Bayeux Tapestry Museum housed in the former seminary in figures building.

1987 : The Prince and Princess of Wales donated a facsimile of The Tapestry Museum is one of three museums the Domesday Book to the managed by the town of Bayeux. museum. Statistics 1994 : Restoration of the 13th The number of visitors to the museum reaches around Century chapel. 400,000 every year, with record numbers in 1992 and 1994 (over 500,000 visitors during the D-Day 50th 1996 : The museum shop was anniversary celebrations). opened in its present location. Since the opening of the museum in 1983, the number

of admissions has totalled over 11.5 million visitors. 2003 : The museum was voted

France's second most profitable attraction by the Visitors’ profile magazine “Challenges”. Individual visitors account for two-thirds of admissions, 2005 : The chapel was the other third is made up of groups. refurbished to host temporary Schools account for 47% of group visitors. exhibitions. Half of the visitors come from English-speaking 2007 : The Tapestry was listed countries (mostly British and American). French visitors “Memory of the World” by account for just 27% of admissions. UNESCO.

A makeover for the museum Prestigious visitors For the last few years, the museum has pursued a self- 1970 : Léopold Sedar Senghor financing investment policy to fund the modernisation of (and in 1977) its facilities.

1987 : Prince Charles and Lady Diana

Queen Margaret of Denmark

Princess Sonja of Norway

1994 : Simone Veil

1998 : Javier Solana

Many delegates, ambassadors and ministers signed the visitors’ book over the years.

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A museum shop with a difference http://boutique.tapisserie-bayeux.fr

Housed in a wing of the former Seminary, the shop, with its vaulted ceiling and imposing stone pillars, is an impressive addition to the museum. Since its opening in 1996, the museum shop has stocked a selection of exclusive products designed by specialist manufacturers from all over Europe.

The first of its kind, the shop served as a model to many other museum shops (the Hospices of Beaune and the Avranches Scriptorial for example).

With a range of prestigious brands, the shop stocks over 800 products: leather goods from Pansu in Paris; porcelain, specially designed by Aline Gineste, an artisan china-maker in Bayeux; Bayeux stitch embroidery kits, made by Bayeux craftswoman, Chantal James.

The museum successfully formed partnerships with manufacturers, usually reluctant to work with such institutions. The products were put through a rigorous selection process, based on quality and on the suppliers’ reputation (R Øros Tweed, Torchons et Bouchons ...).

----- New in 2011 -----

New products: leather goods, books and comics about William the Conqueror, including Patrick Weber's “1066”, and lots more.

Children are especially well catered for with dressing-up costumes (knights and princesses) and board games, featuring characters from the Tapestry (such as the Happy Families memory game).

A collection of publications and DVDs celebrate the 1,100th anniversary of the Duchy of Normandy.

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Bayeux, home of the Tapestry

Bayeux is a medieval town with a heritage carefully preserved over the Centuries. Its timber- framed houses and stately homes have earned the city an international reputation, borne out by UNESCO's decision to list the Tapestry as “Memory of the World”.

Explore Bayeux along its signposted footpaths

Tour of historic Bayeux This route takes visitors on a tour through the town's heritage and history, guided by 21 information panels.

Tour of the botanic gardens Created by Eugène Bülher in 1859, this park was awarded the “Natural Monument” status in 2008, thanks to its outstanding landscape architecture. The route is marked out by information panels.

The banks of the river Aure Follow the banks of the river Aure by foot or by bicycle to see Bayeux and its monuments from another perspective.

Also to see in Bayeux...

The Battle of Normandy Memorial Museum This museum, covering 2000 m² and completely renovated in 2006, takes visitors on an educational tour to understand the decisive events that took place between 7th June and 29th August 1994, restoring freedom to the region.

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The epic adventure

Around Bayeux: theme routes

Nearly nine Centuries elapsed between two military operations on either side of the Channel: in 1066, the conquest of England by William, and in 1944, the landing of the Allies in Normandy. The two events are linked in the Latin epitaph engraved on the frieze of the memorial, opposite the British Cemetery. It translates as: "We, once conquered by William, have now set free the Conqueror’s native land".

The epic adventure

A visit to the Bayeux Tapestry is just one step in learning about the life and history of William the Conqueror. The former Duchy of Normandy still bears signs of his epic adventure. Information: www.lafabuleuseepopee.com/en/

Falaise William's birthplace, where visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the Ducal Castle. www.chateau-guillaume-leconquerant.fr/index_uk.php

Caen The Abbaye aux Hommes, the Abbaye aux Dames, and the Ducal Castle are three key monuments, revealing more of the life of the Duke of Normandy. www.tourisme.caen.fr

Bayeux Along with the Tapestry, the imposing Notre-Dame Cathedral is a key site in the history of William the Conqueror. Odo de Conteville, Bishop of Bayeux and half-brother of William commissioned the reconstruction of the cathedral. The Tapestry was regularly exhibited in its nave up until the French Revolution. www.bessin-normandie.fr

The Battle of Normandy Bayeux was the first town to be liberated following the D-Day Landings. The city is located just several miles from the coast, between Omaha Beach and Gold Beach. Bayeux and the region of Bessin are at the heart of the Historic Area of the Battle of Normandy that comprises numerous sites of remembrance and historic monuments. Information: www.normandiememoire.com

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CONTACTS

Press contacts Magali Bignon, Jean-François Leloup and Séline Duval Communications department Hôtel de Ville 19, rue Laitière B.P. 21215 – 14402 Bayeux Cedex - France Tel: +33 (0)2 31 51 60 47 / Fax: +33 (0)2 31 51 60 30 [email protected]

Bayeux Tapestry Museum Centre Guillaume le Conquérant 13 bis rue de Nesmond – 14400 Bayeux - France Tel: +33 (0)2 31 51 25 50 / Fax: +33 (0)2 31 51 25 59 [email protected] www.tapisserie-bayeux.fr

LINKS

Bayeux Town Council www.mairie-bayeux.fr

Bayeux Regional Tourist Office www.bessin-normandie.com

Calvados Tourist Board www.calvados-tourisme.info

Normandy Tourist Board www.normandie-tourisme.fr

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