British Museum hosted Palantir founder Peter Thiel in private viewing of Bayeux tapestry
Concern among staff that fragile artwork’s scarce ‘light hours’ given to someone with no known interest in museum
TL;DR
- Peter Thiel, founder of Palantir and a supporter of Donald Trump, received a private viewing of the Bayeux tapestry at the British Museum.
- The viewing raised concerns among museum staff about the allocation of limited 'light hours' for the fragile tapestry.
- Thiel's company, Palantir, has controversial contracts with the British state, including a £330m deal with the NHS.
- Thiel's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein and his company's work with militaries and immigration agencies have drawn criticism.
- Public access to the Bayeux tapestry has been limited, with long online queues for tickets, contrasting with Thiel's special viewing.