Latest visitor information
Times and admission | Planetarium | Closures and site works | Travel and transport
Opening times
The National Maritime Museum, Queen's House, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark are normally open 10.00–17.00 seven days a week. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing (1 hour for Cutty Sark). The Caird Library is closed on bank holidays. Any additional closures or changes to times will be posted below. See also times and admissions.
Thursday late closing
The Sammy Ofer Wing and ground floor galleries of the National Maritime Museum stay open late till 20.00 every Thursday. This includes the Shop, the Museum Café and outside terrace area, the Special Exhibitions gallery, Voyagers gallery and Compass Lounge, the Neptune Court 'streets' and the Explorers and Maritime London galleries. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Visions of the Universe Late (Thurs 13 June, 18.00–21.00): due to this event, advance booking is necessary for evening entry to the Museum on this date.
Cutty Sark early closure, 28 May
On Tuesday 28 May, Cutty Sark will close at 15.15 (last admission 14.15).
Admission costs
Admission is FREE to the National Maritime Museum, the Queen's House and the Astronomy Centre at the Royal Observatory. Charges apply for Flamsteed House and the Meridian Courtyard (FREE for Members):
- See times and admission for a full breakdown of the charges
- Find out about becoming a Member (free entry to Flamsteed House / Meridian and to planetarium shows, plus discounts in our shops and cafés)
- Pre-booked school groups as part of the formal learning programme go free.
You can buy a Joint Ticket allowing single entry on the same day to the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, saving up to £12 for families (£5 for individuals).
You can also buy an 'Astro Ticket' (combined Royal Observatory admission + Planetarium ticket), saving up to £7 for families (£2 for individuals).
Valid from 7 June, you can also buy a 'Big Ticket' allowing single entry to the forthcoming Visions of the Universe exhibition, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
Planetarium
Please note: the Planetarium will be closed all day on 4 June and 2 July for essential maintenance.
See Planetarium shows page for full information about shows and times. All planetarium shows are FREE to Members.
Closures and site works
National Maritime Museum
Temporary removal of Nelson's Trafalgar uniform
Nelson’s Trafalgar uniform has been taken off display temporarily to go to the exhibition 'Napoléon et l’Europe' at the Musée de l’Armée in Paris (27 March–14 July). On its return, the uniform will go on display in the new gallery Nelson, Navy, Nation 1688-1815, opening 21 October 2013 (Trafalgar Day). In the meantime, Nelson's dress coat will replace his Trafalgar uniform on display in the gallery Maritime London: 1700 to now.
Queen's House closures
The Queen's House or certain rooms will be closed on the following dates:
| Date | Time | Rooms |
|---|---|---|
| 18 May | Closes at 13.00 | The Queen's House |
| 20–21 May | All day | The Orangery, Art of the Van de Veldes gallery and South-East Parlour (where 'The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805' by J M W Turner hangs) |
| 29 May | Closes at 15.00 | The Orangery, Art of the Van de Veldes gallery and South-East Parlour (where 'The Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805' by J M W Turner hangs) |
Conservation work on painted ceiling (Queen's Bedchamber)
Essential conservation work has begun on the painted ceiling of The Queen's Bedchamber (QH1554) of the Queen's House. The work is expected to continue until about early October. During this time there will be no access to the painted ceiling, but visitors will be able to walk through the room under the scaffolding platform. There will be text panels explaining the conservation treatment that is being undertaken, and a short film of the conservators.
Travel and transport
The Museum's three sites can all be reached by a number of different forms of transport.
DLR
See details of planned works on DLR website for full details of all forthcoming disruptions and alternative transport. The next phase of upgrade work includes construction of the Stratford International extension and may cause disruption to services.
Southeastern trains engineering work
See details of planned engineering work which may affect Southeastern train services.