British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan: 'The Bayeux Tapestry, in a non-nationalistic way, is clearly part of our national identity'

Posted on September 2, 2026
By Le Monde
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In brief

British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan discusses the historic loan of the Bayeux Tapestry from France, emphasizing its profound cultural significance beyond nationalist perspectives. The unprecedented exhibition marks a pivotal moment in international cultural cooperation, bringing this 11th-century masterpiece to English audiences for the first time. Cullinan reflects on the complex negotiations and logistical considerations required to facilitate this extraordinary temporary transfer, highlighting how the tapestry transcends national boundaries to represent shared European heritage and artistic achievement.

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British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan: 'The Bayeux Tapestry, in a non-nationalistic way, is clearly part of our national identity'

With just seven days to go before the exhibition opens, the director of the British Museum, Nicholas Cullinan, reflects on the extraordinary journey involved in the loan and transfer of this monumental work from France to England.