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National Maritime Museum

MaritimeHistoryOpen until 5pmFreeCutty Sark

The National Maritime Museum sits at the heart of the Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the building alone — a Palladian masterpiece by Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor — justifies the journey. Inside, the galleries cover everything from Nelson's coat (with the bullet hole) to modern Arctic exploration. The planetarium is excellent, and the grounds connect to the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, and the painted hall of the Old Royal Naval College. Make a day of it.

What's On

Now
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ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Around 100 of the world's best space photographs from the 18th annual astrophotography competition, shown on glowing lightboxes.

Now showingFrom 18 Sept· £12

Permanent Collections

Nelson, Navy, Nation

Nelson's famous coat with its bullet hole, his medals, and personal letters — the legend of Britain's greatest naval hero.

Permanent collection· Free

Tudor and Stuart Seafarers

Drake, Raleigh, Elizabeth I, and the ordinary sailors who made Britain a maritime power between 1485 and 1714.

Permanent collection· Free

Polar Worlds

Franklin, Scott, Shackleton — stories of human endurance at the extremes of the Earth, with original artefacts and charts.

Permanent collection· Free

Pacific Encounters

Cook's voyages, indigenous Pacific cultures, and the complex legacy of European exploration in the world's largest ocean.

Permanent collection· Free

Voyagers: Britain and the Sea

The story of Britain's relationship with the sea from earliest times to today, from exploration to trade to migration.

Permanent collection· Free

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF

Nearest station: Cutty Sark, Greenwich

Show on map

Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
WedToday10:00–17:00
Thu10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

Free

Planetarium shows require paid tickets

Accessibility

Step-free access to all galleries. Wheelchairs available. BSL tours and audio guides available.

Last verified

Visitor Information

Is National Maritime Museum free to visit?
Yes, general admission to National Maritime Museum is free. Planetarium shows require paid tickets. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of National Maritime Museum?
National Maritime Museum is open Daily 10:00–17:00, last entry 16:30. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is National Maritime Museum?
National Maritime Museum is located at Romney Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, in the Greenwich area of London. The nearest stations are Cutty Sark, Greenwich.
What can I see at National Maritime Museum?
The world's largest maritime museum, in the magnificent grounds of the Greenwich World Heritage Site. Current highlights include Nelson, Navy, Nation, Tudor and Stuart Seafarers, Polar Worlds.
Do I need to book National Maritime Museum in advance?
National Maritime Museum is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Planetarium shows require paid tickets. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit National Maritime Museum?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is National Maritime Museum accessible?
Step-free access to all galleries. Wheelchairs available. BSL tours and audio guides available.

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