Explore our Collection
Collections highlights
Timekeeping
Find out more about our historic collection of clocks, watches and precision timekeepers
Polar relics
This is a collection of international significance, particularly those items relating to early Arctic exploration
Fine art
One of the most significant art collections in Britain
Historic photographs
A unique collection including one million prints, around 270,000 negatives and 1463 albums
Sea charts and maps
The National Maritime Museum holds a unique collection of around 100,000 historical sea charts and maps
Ship models
One of the world's finest collections of ship models including around 3500 items dating back to Ancient Egypt
Ship plans
One of the largest collections of original ship plans dating back to the early 18th century
Astronomical and navigational instruments
A large and varied collection of astronomical and navigational instruments
Flags
More than 1,000 items dating from the 18th century
Naval uniforms
A collection of over 7000 items, including items owned by Admiral Nelson, Edward VII and Admiral John Arbuthnot Fisher
The Waterline Collection
Our collection consists of 16,500 photographs that tell the story of the leisure-cruising industry
Decorative arts
A collection featuring silver, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, textiles and sailors' craftwork
How to search the collections
The online collections search is split into 'Objects', 'Library' and 'Archive'. You can search all the categories together , or use the filters buttons to refine your results.
- Filtering by objects allows you to explore the items in the Museum's collections, from fine art and photography to timepieces, figureheads and historic relics.
- The Library collection includes over 100,000 books, 20,000 pamphlets, 20,000 bound periodicals including and 8000 rare books.
- The Archive catalogue features the Museum's collections of manuscripts, the largest and most important dedicated archive for the study of maritime history in the world. Find out more about requesting archive and library material.
Research and resources
How to search the collections both online and in person.
Accessing our collections for research
We offer a world-class resource for studying maritime history, astronomy and time
The Caird Library and Archive
Visit the world's largest maritime library and archive collection at the National Maritime Museum
View our research guides
Advice on beginning your research at Royal Museums Greenwich
Electronic resources
The Caird Library subscribes to a range of electronic resources to assist you in your research
Stories from the collections
A Sea of Drawings: the art of the Van de Veldes
Why do artists draw, and what can their sketches teach us about their skills and techniques? Take a closer look with the unique Van de Velde drawings collection
Seeing Ourselves podcast
How does it feel to see 'yourself’ represented – or misrepresented – in museum spaces?
HMS NHS: the Nautical Health Service transcription project
Thanks to our fantastic volunteers, we are well on our way to reviving an important piece of Greenwich’s maritime history.
Library & Archive blog
The latest news, blogs and discoveries from the Caird Library & Archive team
HMS Challenger: a trailblazer for modern ocean science
150 years ago, HMS Challenger departed England on a quest to explore the world’s oceans. Its impact is still felt today
Falklands conflict oral histories
Seafarers, volunteers and nursing officers share their experiences during the Falklands conflict as part of a National Maritime Museum oral history project
Stories
Search our digital collections, discover epic stories of sea, space and exploration, and get expert insight from our museum curators and specialists
Visit the collection
Go behind the scenes at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre and explore our state of the art conservation studio and collections store