Ticket-holders for the Bayeux Tapestry were evacuated from the British Museum on Friday evening after smoke was detected in one of the galleries. Around 3,700 visitors were ordered to leave the museum and could not return to see the new exhibition after the smoke was detected. The cause of the smoke is still under investigation, but the London Fire Brigade suspects it was caused by an "overheating light." The British Museum confirmed that the Bayeux Tapestry itself was safe and offered refunds or new tickets to those who had come to see it. A spokesperson for the British Museum said, "We can confirm that the Museum was evacuated earlier this evening and the Fire Brigade attended what we believe was an electrical fault in a gallery (we're still investigating). The collection is safe and there are no issues with the Bayeux Tapestry. Those that had tickets to see the exhibition but were not able to, or whose visit had to be curtailed, have received our apologies for the inconvenience and disappointment and have been asked to contact us to reschedule their date or they can receive a refund." Firefighters from the London Fire Brigade conducted a thorough search of the building to locate the source of the smoke. They believe it originated from an overheating light. Approximately 3,700 people were evacuated before the firefighters arrived. The incident was resolved by 7:27 PM, when control of the site was handed back to the museum's management team. The historic 70-meter Bayeux Tapestry, a detailed embroidery depicting the Norman conquest of England, was recently brought to the UK on loan from Normandy following an agreement with France. Tickets for the exhibition went on sale in July, and the British Museum recorded its highest single day of sales ever, generating over £2.5 million. Tens of thousands of people joined an online queue to get tickets, which cost £33 at standard times and between £25 and £27 during off-peak hours. The initial ticket release was for entry between September and December, with more releases expected in October and January before the tapestry is returned to France in July. George Osborne, chair of the British Museum and former Tory chancellor, said the museum expects about 7.5 million visitors for the artwork, calling it "without doubt the biggest year in the museum’s history." He described the Bayeux Tapestry as "a defining piece of our nation’s history and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience," urging people to mark their calendars and seize the chance to see it when it arrives, which he said promises to be an extraordinary moment for the country.