Art for the Nation brings together 200 of the finest of over 4000 paintings in the Museum’s care, under the roof of the Queen’s House – the Museum’s showcase for art.

The Parting Cheer, Henry Nelson O'Neil, 1861. Repro ID: F3201 ©National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
 The sea, and all it means in terms of world commerce, exploration and empire, is fundamental to British history and identity. It continues to be so, shaping the profile of British multiculturalism and of our shared heritage. The paintings in Art for the Nation both represent and are part of that heritage. They throw a unique light on our history as a maritime nation and on the place of art within it.

The Boat Builder's Yard, Cancale, Brittany Grouped by collection, the paintings cover portraiture, history painting and landscape, as well as marine painting. They treat themes of encounter, colonialism and global exploration, shipwreck, battle and spectacle, as well as personality and the cult of the hero. They also point to their own history: their place within the history of British art, and the history of how they arrived at Greenwich.

For more of the Museum’s collection of oil paintings, prints, drawings and watercolours, please see the Fine Art section of Collections Online.

Exhibition book

A lavishly-illustrated book to accompany the exhibition is now in store and is also available to order online, price £15.00. With a foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales, Art for the Nation includes essays by experts on maritime art Geoff Quilley, Pieter van der Merwe, Roger Quarm, Caroline Corbeau, Olivia Horsfall-Turner, Eleanor Hughes and John Bonehill.

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Please note: This gallery may occasionally be closed. Please see Latest visitor information for all details of closures.

Location: Queen's House, first floor - see floor plans

Times and admissions: Open daily, 10.00–17.00