British Museum turns away visitors for private corporate event

Hundreds of visitors were denied entry to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum after the institution closed the gallery early for a private corporate event. The gala dinner, sponsored by Samsung to mark the launch of a Korea exhibition, was attended by high-profile figures including Princess Anne, Chancellor John Healey, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.

Ticket holders, some of whom had traveled from the United States and waited in queues for up to an hour, were reportedly handed notices stating they could not enter due to ‘space and time restrictions’. Critics and visitors expressed frustration over the decision, with some describing the incident as a prioritization of corporate interests over the public.

The museum has issued an apology and organizers have promised full refunds and complimentary return visits to those who were turned away. The Bayeux Tapestry is currently on loan to the UK from France and is scheduled to remain at the British Museum until summer next year.