The wider museum complex also includes Queen’s House, Royal Observatory Greenwich, and the historic sailing ship Cutty Sark. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and together these landmarks form a destination where history, science and architecture come together. In front of the museum stands Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle, a contemporary artwork by Yinka Shonibare that depicts Admiral Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory inside a giant glass bottle.
Entry to the museum’s permanent galleries is free, making it an accessible and popular destination for visitors.
Collections and Permanent Galleries
The National Maritime Museum’s collections include more than 2.5 million objects, ranging from paintings, maps and manuscripts to ship models, uniforms and navigational instruments. One of the most famous items on display is Admiral Horatio Nelson’s coat, worn at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Polar Worlds explores Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, Indigenous survival methods and modern climate research. The exhibition combines historic expedition artefacts with contemporary scientific perspectives.
Pacific Encounters examines interactions between European explorers and Pacific cultures. Objects from island communities and seafarers are presented alongside multiple historical viewpoints.
Tudor and Stuart Seafarers focuses on the period when England emerged as a naval power in the 16th and 17th centuries, featuring exploration, trade and naval conflict, as well as figures such as Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh.
Nelson, Navy and Nation centres on Britain’s navy and its national importance, with the Battle of Trafalgar and Nelson’s legacy at its core.
Atlantic Worlds explores the Atlantic Ocean’s role in trade, migration and cultural exchange, showing how sea routes shaped economies and societies across continents.
For younger visitors, AHOY! Children’s Gallery and All Hands offer interactive experiences. AHOY! is designed for younger children, while All Hands allows older children to try cargo handling and navigation tasks.
Ocean Court and Ocean Map
The museum’s central space, formerly known as Neptune Court, was redeveloped in 2025 and renamed Ocean Court. It now serves as an open exhibition and event space. At its heart is Ocean Map, a large interactive digital installation that allows visitors to explore oceans, trade routes, ecosystems and the effects of climate change.
Royal Museums Greenwich – Four Linked Sites
Royal Museums Greenwich consists of four closely connected attractions. The National Maritime Museum is the centrepiece, housing the world’s largest maritime collection.
Next door, Queen’s House, Greenwich, is an early 17th-century Renaissance building designed by Inigo Jones. Today, it functions as an art gallery displaying portraits and maritime-themed works.
Located within Greenwich Park, the Peter Harrison Planetarium continues the astronomical legacy of the Royal Observatory, offering immersive space shows and illustrating the importance of astronomy for navigation.
The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, Greenwich, located in Kidbrooke, about three kilometres from the main museum, opened in 2017. It stores more than 70,000 objects not on permanent display. Guided tours and workshops provide insight into behind-the-scenes museum work.
History and Key Figures
The museum was established following the National Maritime Museum Act of 1934 and officially opened in 1937 by King George VI. Its first director was Sir Geoffrey Callender. A major supporter and benefactor was Sir James Caird, after whom the museum’s Caird Medal is named.
The collections and exhibitions highlight key maritime figures, including Horatio Nelson and James Cook.
Practical Visitor Information
The National Maritime Museum Greenwich is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. The museum is closed from 24–26 December. Permanent galleries are free to visit, while special exhibitions require a separate ticket. During busy periods, booking a timed entry slot in advance via the museum’s website is recommended.
Summary
The National Maritime Museum Greenwich offers a comprehensive introduction to maritime history, navigation and exploration. Digital features such as Ocean Court and Ocean Map enhance the traditional collections. Together with Queen’s House, Peter Harrison Planetarium and the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, the museum forms the Royal Museums Greenwich complex. It is a key destination for understanding Britain’s maritime and scientific heritage. The nearby artwork Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle adds a contemporary layer to the visitor experience in Greenwich.
