Peter Harrison in 2006, in front of the planetarium dome under constructionCongratulations to Peter Harrison who has been recognised in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday honours’ list, for charitable services through the Peter Harrison Foundation.

His £3.25 million gift to the National Maritime Museum in 2005 made possible the build of the state-of-the-art Peter Harrison Planetarium as part of the £16 million Time and Space project to improve the galleries and visitor facilities at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

The Peter Harrison Planetarium is the only planetarium in London and since opening in 2007 has made a huge impact on this historic site. Visitors to the Royal Observatory have increased significantly and the regularly changing shows continue to attract new audiences.

The Peter Harrison Foundation was established in 1999 and has helped countless organisations. Peter’s philanthropy has primarily focused on education and providing help and support to individuals who are disabled or disadvantaged.

The title of the Commander of the British Empire is awarded to only a small group of people each year and the National Maritime Museum is delighted that Peter’s philanthropy and generous commitment has been recognised in this most appropriate way.