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 3,500 items

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 8,000 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

Donate an item

Gifts of items from generous individuals enable us to enrich and grow our historic collections. Learn about the donation process and how we decide which items to accept.

Donating to our collection