Listed by UNESCO since May 2023, the Tapestry of the Apocalypse is one of the rare masterpieces of its kind to have survived the centuries. Woven nearly 650 years ago, it’s remarkable for its conservation and exceptional dimensions.
Tapestry of the Apocalypse, an extraordinary work
Created at the end of the 14th century for Duke Louis I of Anjou, the work is most impressive. At 103 metres in length, it’s the largest surviving set of medieval tapestries in the world. Exhibited in a gallery specially made for it within the grounds of the Château des Ducs d’Anjou (Castle of the Dukes of Anjou), its fine weaving and exciting storyline never fail to attract visitors.
A one-of-a-kind tapestry
At the heart of a cosy gallery, in the semi-darkness that helps preserve it, you’ll discover 67 scenes woven into wool, like a comic strip that’s come down to us from the Middle Ages. Around 500 m² remain of its original 840 m², transporting us back to the heart of the adventures of life-size characters. Dragons, angels, demons, fortified towns, mysterious women, knights... The Tapestry of the Apocalypse invites us to dive into a fantastic story, halfway between Christian mythology and 14th-century reality.
A real medieval comic strip
The tapestry presents to its audience the Apocalypse of Saint John, the last book of the Bible. Despite the religious background to the story it tells, the plot is anchored in its own time, the 14th century. So you can read the visions received by Saint John in the middle of the 1st century, as well as information or satires on the political and social life of the 14th century. For example, there are references to the English enemy, even though at the time, France was in the middle of the Hundred Years' War.
This work is read from left to right and top to bottom.
A story with twists and turns
The fact it has reached us intact is in itself a minor miracle. Undoubtedly intended to be displayed during public ceremonies, it was then to be a mediation tool serving the political ambitions of the Duke of Anjou, brother of the King of France, Charles V. Over the centuries, it’s led an eventful life! Bequeathed to Angers Cathedral, then transformed into covers, used to protect orange trees or as curtain linings, it’s today incomplete, but remains in a remarkable state of conservation.
UNESCO, international recognition
Since 18 May 2023, the Tapestry of the Apocalypse has been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World register. It joins the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen (1789-1791), the Appeal of 18 June 1940 of General de Gaulle, the films of the Lumière brothers or the Bayeux Tapestry, in this prestigious register which aims to safeguard documents with heritage value for all humanity.
Explore and discover the Tapestry of the Apocalypse in Angers
To better understand the adventures experienced by this extraordinary work over the centuries, simply head for Château d’Angers.
A tour with or without a guide
With the audio guide to the building which devotes 30 minutes to the tapestry or with a live speaker guide, the Tapestry of the Apocalypse will hold no more secrets for you! A fun booklet for families is also available at the ticket office, as are supports adapted to the visually impaired. Immersive film, touch media, information panels… Everything is here to make your visit better!
A rich, playful interpretation experience
Tout au long de l’année, des visites insolites, des ateliers et des animations sont proposées aux visiteurs, dès le plus jeune âge. Nous vous conseillons de suivre le parcours d’interprétation L’apocalypse comme si vous y étiez. À travers six salles et sept siècles, partez à la rencontre des créateurs de la tapisserie, contemplez les secrets de sa fabrication et de son message et remontez le temps jusqu’au Moyen Âge. Avec des vidéos, des jeux, des dispositifs sonores ou tactiles, des costumes à essayer et même des dioramas Playmobil, vous connaîtrez cette œuvre sous toutes ses facettes !
Throughout the year, unusual tours, workshops and activities are offered to visitors, from a very young age. We recommend you follow: L'Apocalypse comme si vous y étiez (the Apocalypse interpretation route as if you were there). Through six rooms and seven centuries, meet the creators of the tapestry, consider the secrets of its making and message, and go back in time to the Middle Ages. With videos, games, sound and touch devices, costumes to try on and even Playmobil diaporamas, you’ll get to know this work in all its facets!
The exhibition : the inheritors of the wall hanging
Despite being almost 650 years old, this woven work remains very modern. Today, it creates bridges between the Middle Ages and contemporary reality or Hollywood cinema ... and inspires artists who in turn exhibit their works at Château d'Angers! Within the exhibition, we find the musician Da Silva, sculptor Julien Perrier and visual artists Philippe Guesdon and Gwenhaël Nédélec.
Preparing your visit, practical information
Access to the ticket office is via the drawbridge of Château d’Angers. From 2 May to 4 September 2023, the monument is open from 10.00am to 6.30pm, and from 5 September to 30 April, from 10.00am to 5.30pm. The entry ticket gives access to the entire tour route (ramparts, courtyards, gardens, royal residence, chapel, Apocalypse gallery, interpretation trail), as well as temporary exhibitions.
Prices are between €8.00 and €11.00 (audio guide €3 and fun booklet €2). Free for under 18s.
Useful to know: in the Apocalypse gallery, the temperature is around 19°C all year round, and there are lots of drafts in the château!
Useful Tip :
Are you planning to visit only Château d'Angers and the Jean Lurçat Museum and contemporary tapestry? Please note that there is a Tapestry Pass, available for sale in these two establishments.
Visiting Angers for a day, a weekend or more? Choose the Angers City Pass (24, 48 or 72 hours) and have free access to all the destination's must-see sites, including Château d'Angers, of course!
Ready to embark on this journey to discover the exceptional Tapestry of the Apocalypse, a one-of-a-kind work? See you soon at Château d’Angers!
