Tag

British Museum

All articles tagged with #british museum

Midnight transfer brings the Bayeux Tapestry home to Britain after a millennium
arts-and-culture1 day ago

Midnight transfer brings the Bayeux Tapestry home to Britain after a millennium

The 11th‑century Bayeux Tapestry, a 70‑meter wool embroidery depicting the Hastings saga, arrived in London in a tightly planned overnight operation with police escort and a specialist art‑transport firm, for display at the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027. The loan—likely created in Canterbury for Bayeux Cathedral—highlights Franco‑British cultural ties, drew praise from Macron and UK officials, and coincided with record first‑day ticket sales for the exhibition.

Bayeux Tapestry Returns to Britain for Landmark Exhibition
culture1 day ago

Bayeux Tapestry Returns to Britain for Landmark Exhibition

The 11th‑century Bayeux Tapestry—technically embroidery rather than a tapestry—arrived in London for a year‑long loan to the British Museum, the first return to Britain in nearly 1,000 years. Transported in a tightly controlled operation from Bayeux, France, via a Channel Tunnel shuttle, the 70‑metre work will be acclimatised before display. Demand is high, with about 100,000 tickets sold on day one and up to 7.5 million visitors expected from September to July 2027. The loan, praised by Macron and UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy as a historic Franco‑British milestone, marks one of the most significant international museum exchanges between the two countries.

Bayeux Tapestry heads to the British Museum as demand for tickets explodes
culture10 days ago

Bayeux Tapestry heads to the British Museum as demand for tickets explodes

Tens of thousands queued for tickets as the 11th‑century Bayeux Tapestry goes on display at the British Museum for 10 months—the first time it’s been shown in Britain—on loan from Normandy during renovations; tickets sold quickly, with prices of £33 peak and £27 off‑peak and free entry for under‑16s, with more sales planned in October and January. The tapestry will be shown flat in a glass case and transported with security via the Eurotunnel.

British Museum under fire for removing 'Palestine' labels from ancient exhibits
world4 months ago

British Museum under fire for removing 'Palestine' labels from ancient exhibits

After pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel, the British Museum removed references to 'Palestine' from 1700–1500 BC displays, replacing them with 'Canaan' and 'Canaanite descent' labels. The museum says the term is only appropriate for the southern Levant in that period, while academics and campaigners argue the move erases Palestinian history and reflects a broader pattern of influence over cultural institutions, a trend expanded to other organizations and educational materials.

Ancient Relatives of Dinosaur-Resilient Fish Discovered
science6 months ago

Ancient Relatives of Dinosaur-Resilient Fish Discovered

A new study reexamines over 50 fossils from the Late Triassic period in Britain, revealing they are ancient coelacanths, related to modern species, and correcting past mislabeling. These findings shed light on the diversity and ecology of coelacanths just before the end-Triassic extinction, emphasizing the importance of museum collections in scientific discovery.

British Museum's First Fundraising Ball Sparks Celebrity Exit and Debate
world8 months ago

British Museum's First Fundraising Ball Sparks Celebrity Exit and Debate

Campaigners attribute the withdrawal of several celebrities from a British Museum fundraising event to pressure over its ties to BP and companies linked to Israel's actions in Gaza. The museum denies these connections, while critics highlight the event's controversial sponsors and its impact on cultural and ethical standards.

Ancient Aztec Fire God Mask: A Conquistador's Treasure
archaeology1 year ago

Ancient Aztec Fire God Mask: A Conquistador's Treasure

A 600-year-old turquoise-encrusted wooden mask, possibly representing the Aztec fire god Xiuhtecuhtli, is on display at the British Museum. Likely taken by Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, the mask features intricate decorations and was possibly used in Aztec rituals. Its exact representation remains uncertain, as it might also depict the god Nanahuatzin.

"New Director Appointed to Lead Crisis-Hit British Museum Amid Alleged Thefts Scandal"
art-and-design2 years ago

"New Director Appointed to Lead Crisis-Hit British Museum Amid Alleged Thefts Scandal"

The British Museum has appointed Nicholas Cullinan, the current leader of the National Portrait Gallery in London, as its new director, following a period without a permanent leader. Cullinan will face challenges including addressing the fallout from a scandal involving stolen artifacts, leading a fundraising effort for refurbishment, and managing demands for the return of contested artifacts to their countries of origin.

"British Museum Sues Ex-Curator for Theft and Sale of 1800 Artifacts"
legalcrime2 years ago

"British Museum Sues Ex-Curator for Theft and Sale of 1800 Artifacts"

The British Museum is suing former curator Peter Higgs for allegedly stealing and selling hundreds of artifacts from its collections online. Higgs, who was fired in July 2023 after over 1,800 items were found missing, is accused of abusing his position to steal ancient gems and gold jewelry over a decade. The museum has recovered 356 items and is seeking the return of more, while a police investigation is ongoing. Higgs, who worked at the museum for over 30 years, is said to be suffering from severe mental strain and has not been charged with a crime.

British Museum Sues Ex-Curator for Theft of 1800 Artifacts
art-and-design2 years ago

British Museum Sues Ex-Curator for Theft of 1800 Artifacts

The British Museum is suing its former curator, Peter Higgs, for the return of stolen artifacts, alleging that he stole or damaged over 1,800 items from its collections and sold hundreds on eBay. A London judge has ordered Higgs to return any gems or jewelry from the museum in his possession within four weeks and has also instructed PayPal to disclose data related to his eBay accounts. Higgs disputes the accusations, with his lawyers stating that he is "suffering from severe mental strain" and unable to effectively respond to the proceedings.