The D-Day Story in Portsmouth is inviting visitors to discover the remarkable connections between the Bayeux Tapestry and the museum's Overlord Embroidery as part of Heritage Open Days 2026.
Taking place under the banner of Bayeux Around Britain, the museum will offer free introductory tours of the Overlord Embroidery, giving visitors the chance to explore one of the worldβs most extraordinary pieces of textile art and its links to the famous Bayeux Tapestry.
The Overlord Embroidery was commissioned by Lord Dulverton in 1968 and was directly inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. It tells the story of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy across 34 hand-stitched panels, stretching 83 metres in total.
The 30-minute tours, titled Connecting the Threads: Free Introductory Tours of the Overlord Embroidery, will highlight the connections and contrasts between two historic and monumental artworks created 900 years apart.
The events form part of the British Museumβs Bayeux Around Britain programme, which celebrates the Bayeux Tapestryβs connections with collections, stories and communities across the country.
The Overlord Embroidery was designed by artist Sandra Lawrence and stitched by the Royal School of Needlework. More than 50 different materials were used in its creation, including pieces of actual uniforms, and it took five years to complete.
Visitors joining the Heritage Open Days tours will be able to find out more about the people, processes and ideas behind the embroidery, and how it uses visual storytelling to commemorate the planning, landings and legacy of D-Day.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
The Overlord Embroidery is an important part of Portsmouthβs heritage and a significant record of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. These tours will help people understand more about the embroidery itself, the skill and craftsmanship involved in creating it, and its connection to the Bayeux Tapestry. We are pleased to be supporting the Bayeux Around Britain programme and giving more people the opportunity to explore this unique piece of history.
Tours will take place on Sunday 13 September at 11am and 1.30pm, Wednesday 16 September at 11am and 2pm, and Thursday 17 September at 11am and 2pm. Admission to the tours is free, but booking is essential. Standard admission prices apply to visit the rest of the museum and Landing Craft Tank 7074.
To book on to the Overlord Embroidery tours please visit theddaystory.com/events for details on how to get your ticket.
Further Heritage Open Days events across the council's venues will be announced soon.
