The place for space

Ticketed

Essential information

Location	In Greenwich
Date and times	Throughout 2026
Season Type	Space and astronomy
	Discounts for Members. Not a Member? Join now

Book now

Journey through space at the National Maritime Museum, where you can meet real astronomers, ask big questions about the Universe, and immerse yourself in breath-taking astrophotography.

Whether you've been wowed by Artemis II, inspired by Project Hail Mary, or you're a life-long space enthusiast, make the voyage to Greenwich this autumn to check these must-see experiences off your intergalactic itinerary.

Astronomers Take Over

National Maritime Museum

Astronomers Take Over is a hands-on, interactive, family-friendly experience, perfect for anyone with a love for all things space! Inside, you can meet real astronomers, try your hand at landing a Mars rover, use a starlight splitter and step inside an awe-inspiring ‘galaxy box’ to find out just how amazing our Universe is.

Plus, while the Peter Harrison Planetarium is closed for refurbishment, we’re bringing you an alternative planetarium experience at the National Maritime Museum, with all the excitement of our world-class programming, but in a more intimate space.

Perfect for: Space fans of all ages

Read more and book

Unboxing the Universe

National Maritime Museum

Unboxing the Universe is a multi-sensory live science show that turns big space questions into exciting moments of discovery and wonder.

Packed with awesome live demos from Royal Observatory Astronomers, weird and wonderful smells, and fun audience participation, Unboxing the Universe is bursting with answers to your biggest space questions. What is a black hole? What does our Solar System smell like? What does it take to launch a rocket into space?

This exciting science theatre show will spark a sense of wonder in kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect show for anyone who has ever looked up into the night sky and wondered what’s out there.

Perfect for: Kids aged 7+ and their families

Read more and book

ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition

Blue, red and orange dusty shapes float in a black sky dotted with stars

National Maritime Museum

See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum. Glittering stars, shimmering galaxies, fiery suns and silver moons – don't miss ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition featuring the world’s greatest space photography. You can see 100 gorgeous photographs displayed at their best on brilliant lightbox screens.

Perfect for: Anyone who loves space and photography

Read more and book

Astronomy LEGO brick club

A LEGO brick art illustration of a lion riding a blue and white rocket through space.

National Maritime Museum

Join our Astronomy team for an engaging LEGO brick build session.

Make builds inspired by astronomy – from star stories and constellation tales to rockets and time balls.

Each session will have prompts based on our themes at the Royal Observatory Greenwich including space, time and navigation. You and your little ones can build together or compete against each other to make the best LEGO creations!

Perfect for: Families and kids under 12

Read more and book

Winter Solstice Festival

Composite image showcasing the motion of the Sun between the Summer and Winter Solstices

Image: Between Solstices © György Soponyai, shortlisted in Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2021

National Maritime Museum

Celebrate the shortest day of the year and head to the Winter Solstice Family Festival at the National Maritime Museum, a celebration full of fun activities.

The festivities include music, dancing, storytelling, and arts and crafts inspired by the global stories, traditions and folklore of the winter solstice – from interactive tales of the holly and oak king to lantern making, shadow puppetry and much more.

Read more and book

What the press says

'Every year, I leave this exhibition feeling insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe'

Londonist on ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition

'[The astronomers'] enthusiasm and knowledge are wonderful. It’s just incredibly rare to go to an... exhibition and find large numbers of helpful staff on hand and heavily involved. It turns out that the ultimate interactive display… is a person.'

Andrzej Lukowski, Time Out on Astronomers Take Over

What our visitors say

'Every astronomer we spoke to was incredibly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and generous with their time. They explained quite complex astronomy in a way the kids could understand, while also happily going into much more detail when we asked questions. They were patient, engaging and clearly passionate. Having actual astronomers there completely transformed the experience. Rather than simply looking at exhibits, the children could ask questions, explore ideas and actually understand what they were seeing. It was genuinely one of the best and most educational family experiences we have ever been to.'

Alexandra M, Trip Advisor Review of Astronomers Take Over, Sept 2026

What our visitors say

'I took my daughter to Astronomers Take Over and the staff made her feel like a VIP. Bella, Clare, Aidan and Obi took her around the exhibition making it super interactive and engaging. Bella in particular helped her with drawing and using her imagination to its fullest... The whole experience helped spark her joy and wonder at the world outside of Earth.'

James C, Trip Advisor review of Astronomers Take Over, Sept 2026

What our visitors say

'The staff really stood out. They are walking around in astronaut-style suits, and they actually take the time to explain what is going on in a way that children understand. It does not feel forced or scripted, it just feels like they genuinely enjoy what they are doing, which makes the whole experience better.'

Natasha F, Kiddo Adventures on Astronomers Take Over, March 2026

What our visitors say

'I attended Unboxing the Universe, and Clarissa really put on a super funny, enlightening, and informative show! She was great with getting the kids involved, and the show itself was fairly brilliant and well put-together.'

Dreamer06822155091 on Unboxing the Universe, August 2026

What our Facebook followers say

'I went yesterday with a four-year-old, a seven-year-old and two nine-year-olds. We had a great time! The older ones whizzed round and enjoyed reading the info in the exhibition; the younger ones really enjoyed the activities. The lounge area gave them a chance to sit and try the spectrum activities then move on to the Moon Hub.

'The staff were all enthusiastic; all the kids learnt something; it was fun!'