Entry regulations

The National Maritime Museum, Queen's House and Royal Observatory Greenwich, collectively referred to as the 'Museum' (the buildings of which are referred to as the 'Museum Buildings'), places great importance on the enjoyment and safety of its visitors and endeavours to ensure that the high standards set by the company, are complied with by all those in the Museum Buildings.

All persons entering the Museum Buildings are admitted subject to these conditions which are for the benefit of all our visitors and will be strictly enforced.

1 Any person who does not comply with these conditions may be removed from the Museum Buildings by Museum personnel or Police Officers. This is without prejudice to any claim that the Museum may have against such a person or persons arising out of their actions. Whilst inside the Museum Buildings, all visitors must comply with any warnings, notices and reasonable instructions given to them by the Museum, Museum personnel or Police Officers.

2 The Museum reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to remove from the Museum Buildings any person who:-

2.1 has behaved in the Museum Buildings in a manner which, in the opinion of the Museum, has, or is likely to affect the enjoyment of other visitors;

2.2 uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or in any way provokes or behaves in a manner which may provoke a breach of the peace.

3 Children under the age of 14 are admitted to the Museum Buildings provided they are accompanied by an adult, who shall be 18 years or over and will control and supervise those children at all times. Teachers and supervisors of groups are responsible and accountable for all members of the group they accompany.

4 The following are not allowed in the Museum Buildings:

• dogs or pets except guide dogs
• bicycles, skateboards or roller skates
• unnecessary noise, (such as that from the use of radio sets and other electrical equipment), or any behaviour likely to cause annoyance to other visitors or confusion of any kind
• climbing or standing upon objects, displays, barriers or walls
• smoking
• consumption of food and drink (outside of designated catering areas)
• throwing of any article which could cause injury, damage or annoyance.

5 It is prohibited to bring into the Museum Buildings any weapons, fireworks, smoke bombs, glass  bottles or other articles, which may cause injury or damage.

6 The consumption of alcohol is permitted only in authorised places and in accordance with the control of Alcohol Act 1985. Accordingly, Alcohol must not be taken into the Museum Buildings and any persons found possessing alcohol, or who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will be escorted from the Museum Buildings.

7 The Museum will endeavour to ensure as many displays and attractions as possible are available to visitors. However, the Museum reserves the right to make available and or change the programme of displays and attractions if, at any time, it is deemed necessary or appropriate to do so.

8 All attractions and other facilities and equipment must only be used in accordance with the Museum's instructions.

9 Only persons authorised by the Museum are permitted to sell or offer for sale any items to visitors within the curtilage of the Museum Buildings.

10 The Museum accepts no responsibility for any loss and/or damage however arising (including that which might arise as a result of any breach of contract) including any distress, inconvenience or anxiety caused during the course of any visit undertaken and/or during evacuation from the Museum in the event of an emergency, save in the case of any death or personal injury which is a direct consequence of any negligence on the part of the Museum and/or any of its employees.

11 From time-to-time the Museum or other authorised parties carry out photography and/or video recording in the Museum Buildings which may feature visitors. By entering the Museum Buildings, you agree that the Museum or any authorised party may use such images in perpetuity in any promotional, advertising or publicity material in any format whatsoever. Find out more about our photography policy.

12 Bag-searching procedures may be conducted at Museum sites depending on risk and threat (locally and nationally). The searches, which may be conducted at the main entrances at any time during opening hours, are to look for articles associated with terrorism, demonstrations, violence, theft and damage.

NMM Director
Published 2002