Millennium: 2027, the European Year of the Normans

The European Year of the Normans

Was William the Conqueror a heroic builder or an invader? While historians still debate this question, they all agree on one thing: the man and his descendants left a profound mark on the territories where they settled. It is this complex and fascinating historical adventure that the Millenium event year aims to recount. It will offer the general public the opportunity to reconnect with a shared history that extends far beyond the borders of Normandy and France.

Thanks to calls for projects launched by the Normandy region, museums, universities, local authorities, artists, associations, and cultural centers are invited to propose original initiatives highlighting the Norman heritage in several European countries.

In France, travelers, whether history buffs or simply curious, will be able to discover a wide range of offerings: exhibitions, themed tours, artist residencies, reenactments, conferences, guided tours, and immersive experiences.

Events throughout Normandy

The year 2027 will be marked by numerous cultural and heritage events, particularly in Normandy, where the Millennium project originated. French and international tourists can already look forward to:

The opening and reopening of several museums in Normandy, including the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Echoing the major exhibition at the British Library, Normandie Livre & Lecture will coordinate an exceptional presentation of the most beautiful manuscripts from the 11th and 12th centuries in ten cultural venues in Normandy (libraries, museums, abbeys).

Numerous exhibitions, concerts, conferences, and shows organized by regional agencies, local authorities, universities, and cultural institutions will round out this rich program.

An iconic project: the missing scene from the Bayeux Tapestry

Among the flagship initiatives, one project is attracting particular attention: the creation of the missing scene from the Bayeux Tapestry. A masterpiece of Romanesque art, this tapestry recounts the conquest of England by Duke William II of Normandy. In partnership with Manufactures nationales-Sèvres & Mobilier national, the Normandy region has commissioned a monumental 25 m² tapestry depicting the scene of William's coronation at Westminster Abbey on December 25, 1066.

The Atelier Tapisserie Guillot d'Aubusson, renowned for its long-standing expertise, was chosen to transform artist Hélène Delprat's sketch into a large-scale woven work.

This new contemporary tapestry will be unveiled in 2027 and exhibited at the Château de Falaise, the birthplace of William the Conqueror, where it will be displayed in the “Camera” room, further enhancing the appeal of this major historical site.

Other highlights of Millenium

The year 2027 will also see the emergence of several projects designed to reach a wide audience, bringing together all generations. Among these projects are:

A scripted quest, inviting participants to explore 550 years of Norman history through puzzles and discoveries at iconic sites in Normandy and elsewhere in Europe.

A gathering of Viking ships, celebrating the maritime and warrior origins of medieval Normandy.

A contemporary art trail across Normandy, revealing the power of today's creativity in places marked by medieval history.

The full program of festivities will be unveiled in late spring 2026, allowing travelers to prepare for this exceptional year.