What's on at the British Museum in 2026: current and upcoming exhibitions including the Bayeux Tapestry
- maxwell museums
- Jan 12, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: May 19
2026 is an unusual year for the British Museum’s exhibitions.
The upcoming loan of the Bayeux Tapestry — which will arrive in September — dominates everything. The museum’s Chair George Osborne says this alone will mean “2026 is going to be the biggest year in the museum’s 273-year history."
He's also predicted that “with the Bayeux Tapestry arriving in [the] autumn we could potentially get seven and a half million visitors during the year.” If so, it would certainly mark a major reversal of the turmoil at the British Museum of recent years.
Yet, there has already this year been major exhibitions on the history of Japanese Samurai, and a fascinating look at the artistry and culture of Hawai'i. Both were very popular with visitors.
But as this guide has been updated in May 2026 and these shows have now closed, it means the only major exhibition still to come this year (based on current announcements at least) is the blockbuster Bayeux Tapestry display.
But, throughout the coming months you will be able to visit a number of fascinating free displays which the British Museum stages in smaller gallery spaces. These are always worth a look to dive deeper into a niche chapter of history — and they are usually free to visit.
So here’s a guide that will help you navigate what’s on right now and what’s coming soon at the British Museum in London. Updated regularly, it’s your go-to for planning a trip to one of the world’s most-popular cultural destinations.
Quick links for the 2026 British Museum exhibitions:
Exhibitions open now at the British Museum
These are the exhibitions you can visit right now at the British Museum, including two fascinating free displays.
Early Netherlandish drawings
110 rare artworks feature in this show that explores the significant period in European art where drawings made in the Low Countries became collectible and sought after in their own right. Early Netherlandish drawings displays northern-European artworks on paper that were made over 400 years ago. The drawings are all sourced from the British Museum’s own collection. And at the core of the exhibition are the findings of a five-year research project which has been the first in-depth study into this collection in nearly a century. This free exhibition which runs until 20 September 2026, and features artists including Rogier van der Weyden, Lucas van Leyden, Pieter Bruegel the elder, and Hendrick Goltzius.
Sufi: life and art
This small free display explores Sufi life and art through a selection of objects that represent Sufi communities in the Middle East, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and northern India. Sufi is a mystical movement, which first appeared in the Islamic world during the eighth century AD, and has been defined as a pathway to a personal experience with God. On show until 26 July 2026, Sufi life and art displays objects from the British Museum’s collection, including alligraphic works, miniature paintings and wall tiles. The display is part of the larger Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic world.
Upcoming British Museum exhibitions
Here's all the upcoming museum shows you can look forward to.
The Bayeux Tapestry
The Bayeux Tapestry exhibition needs no introduction — it will undoubtedly be the most popular and significant exhibition held in the UK this century. The "extraordinary" loan of the artwork back to Britain for the first time since it was created nearly 1,000 years ago has already become a huge sensation ever since the news was announced as part of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK in July 2025.
Key Norman-conquest objects will be displayed in the show too — such as the remarkable Chew Valley Hoard of silver coins — and they'll help to contextualise the 70-metre Tapestry and its telling of the 1066 Norman conquest and the Battle of Hastings. It's been confirmed that the exhibition will run from 10 September 2026 until 11 July 2027 — that's over 300 days — and that to see the Bayeux Tapestry, tickets will cost up to £33.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the British Museum's 2026 exhibitions
Q: Are the British Museum’s exhibitions free in 2026?
For special exhibitions you will need to buy a ticket — including for the Bayeux Tapestry show. But general admission to the museum’s permanent collection remains free for everyone. Some displays — including Early Netherlandish drawings and Sufi: life and art are also free to see.
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For the major temporary exhibitions, advance booking is highly recommended. Tickets for the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition go on general sale on 01 July 2026, and you will absolutely need to book in advance to not miss out as demand will be unprecedented.
Q: What time are the British Museum exhibitions open?
Special exhibitions are open daily 10.00 – 17.00 (last entry at 16.45) and on Fridays until 20.30 (last entry at 20.15). Staff begin clearing galleries 10 minutes before they close. For the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition, opening hours are yet to be announced. Due to its expected popularity, it’s likely special additional hours will be in place at times.
