Come face to face with maritime treasures and discover the epic stories of exploration and human endeavour that have shaped our world today. 

Don't miss our amazing special exhibition, Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition, all for free!

Please note, there's a new visitor route at the National Maritime Museum due to essential improvement works - plan your visit today.

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Image of a small proportion of the Sun, which is lit up in golden yellow at the surface and moves to darker colours away from the surface. A golden plume of a coronal mass ejection is coming out of the Sun and flowing parallel to it.

Marvel at the world's greatest space photography

Free entry

Glittering stars, shimmering galaxies, fiery suns and silver moons – wherever you are in the universe, don't miss Astronomy Photographer of the Year.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition featuring the world’s greatest space photography. Photographers from across the globe compete to take home the prestigious title. Now in its 16th year, it's your chance to see their spellbinding work.
 

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

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Londonist
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A well-worn, dark green military uniform with silver and yellow detailing. The uniform is on a mannequin, and on the table behind it is a large hat and plume of feathers

Now on display: The Charles Hare uniform

Free entry

Uncover the story behind this remarkable uniform with a dramatic tale to tell. See it for yourself in the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery, and discover the greatest escape you’ve never heard of.

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Glass display case with a number of Museum objects, next to an oil painting of an expedition to the Arctic

Travel the world in the Museum's free galleries

Free entry

Explore everywhere, from the icy Arctic to the islands of the Pacific, in the National Maritime Museum's permanent galleries.

A recommended visitor route will guide you through many of the highlights of the Museum, including relics from the Titanic, and the uniform that Nelson was wearing when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar. Listen to the free audio guide on your phone to find out more about the stories behind the objects.

What’s on

See all upcoming events and exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

Family fun

Character Encounters at the National Maritime Museum

Visit the National Maritime Museum every Saturday to discover a different character from history with their own fascinating story to tell
Every Saturday
Free
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Discover Sundays

Each Sunday, come and explore the Museum's collection through hands-on creative activities
Term time Sundays | 11am-1pm | 2pm-4pm
Free | Drop-in
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

SENsory Sailors

Come along and enjoy this brand new sensory play session for children under 13 years with special educational needs
Second Saturday of the month | 11am-12.30pm
Free | Pre-booking required
National Maritime Museum
Exhibitions

Windrush Food Culture exhibition

This free exhibition explores Windrush food culture and its impact on Britain through the decades: from the margins to the mainstream
Daily until 30 September 2026
Free entry
National Maritime Museum
Exhibitions

Kõmij Mour Ijin/Our Life is Here

Reflections on nuclear testing and climate change in the Marshall Islands – a contemporary art exhibition at the National Maritime Museum
Open daily until 4 October 2026 | 10am-5pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours

Treasures Tour of the National Maritime Museum

Explore some of the Museum’s most prized – and lesser-known – objects on a guided tour
Daily at 12pm and 2pm
£7.50 Adult | £5.50 Student | £3.75 Child | Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Experiences

Astronomers Take Over

This brand-new interactive gallery gives curious minds aged 4 to 104 the space to play, learn and explore!
Dates and times vary: check ticketing page for full details | 10am-5pm
Experience + planetarium: Adult: £18 | Child: £16 | Experience only: £8
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Experiences | Space and astronomy

Unboxing the Universe

Blast off on an unforgettable journey through space in this exciting science theatre show, and answer some big questions about the Universe along the way
26 & 27 Sept | 24 & 25 Oct | 14 & 15 Nov | 12 & 13 Dec | 11.30pm and 1.30pm
£8 for adult / child / student ticket
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Safe Harbour

Safe Harbour is a series of free workshops created to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families with children under 13 years
Last Saturday of the month | 12.30pm-2.30pm
Ticketed | Free
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Baby yoga

Stretch and unwind with your little one on our Ocean Map during this baby yoga session.
First or second Friday of the month | 10.15am and 11am
£10 per baby and accompanying adult | £5 per additional adult
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Space and astronomy

Astronomy LEGO brick club

Join us for a LEGO brick building club themed around the night sky
Fridays from 2.30-4.30pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Summer Play Tuesdays

Come and play outside at the National Maritime Museum on Tuesdays this summer
Tuesdays, 21 July - 25 August 2026, 11am-1pm | 2pm-4pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours

LGBTQ+ history talks at the National Maritime Museum

We deliver queer history talks at least once a week at the National Maritime Museum
Thursdays and Sundays | See page for dates | 3.30pm | Drop-in
Free
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals | Space and astronomy

Moon Celebration Week

Join us to celebrate our beautiful celestial neighbour with a range of Moon-themed activities for all ages
12-20 September 2026
Prices vary for different activities
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Member events

Members' craft workshop

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members
Saturday 12 September and Saturday 21 November 2026 | 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' lecture: the most important naval officer you’ve never heard of

Join author Alan Harper as he recounts the extraordinary life of Royal Navy warrant officer Greenvile Collins, the subject of his book Master & Cartographer
Tuesday 15 September | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Exhibitions | Space and astronomy

ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition

See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum
New exhibition opens 18 September 2026 | 10am-5pm
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student £9
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Space and astronomy

Interactive Lunar Bots

Get up close with Sphero Bots and discover the amazing science, technology and engineering behind robotic space exploration
Saturday 19 September 2026 | 10.30am-2.30pm
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

LGBTQ+ Family Network

A safe space for local LGBTQ+ families to meet one another, get involved in creative activities for all ages and explore the stories within the collection
Next date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Free
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Museum Lates

Evening of Astrophotography

Come along to a panel discussion to learn more about astrophotography, and enjoy a private viewing of the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 exhibition
Saturday 19 September 2026 | 6-8pm
Adults: £14 | Students and Under 25s: £10
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' treasures tours

Explore the treasures of the National Maritime Museum with one of our expert guides
Sunday 20 September 2026 | 11am
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Exhibitions | Talks and tours

Members' private view: ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026

View the brand-new exhibition of the world's greatest space photography, and learn more about the amazing winning and shortlisted images
Thursday 24 September 2026 | 6.30-8.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Workshops

Saturday Art Club

Join weekly creative workshops for young people aged 13-16 during term time at the National Maritime Museum
Saturdays from October 2026 - March 2027 | 10am-1pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Flamsteed Astronomy Society masterclass

Join the Flamsteed Astronomy Society for a masterclass in smart telescopes with Mr Mike Meynell
Tuesday 6 October 2026 | Doors open at 6.30pm, event starts at 7pm
Flamsteed Members: FREE | Guests of Flamsteed Members: £15 | Royal Museums Greenwich Members: £12
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

In conversation with Luke Jerram

Join internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram for an evening exploring the stories behind his sculptures
Friday 9 October 2026 | 6.30-8pm
Adults: £14 | Students: £11
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

Members' lecture: Galaxies with Jake Foster

Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster explores the Universe on an expansive scale, showcasing and examining the stars, planets, gas and dark matter that populate our cosmos
Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

October half term activities at the National Maritime Museum

Come along for fun family craft workshops and storytelling themed around bugs and creepy crawlies!
Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November 2026
Free
National Maritime Museum
Workshops

The Sky We Share - Star Stories from around the World workshop

Discover constellation myths from cultures around the world in our Members' workshop
Friday 30 October 2026 | 11-11.45am
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Workshops

Young Producers

Find out more about the Young Producers – a paid opportunity for young people aged 16-25
Tuesday weekday evenings from 3 November 2026 to 23 February 2027 & Saturday 13 February 2027 | 5-7pm & Saturday event times to be confirmed
Free
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours

First Look at First Light

Join some of the team behind the transformational First Light project at the Royal Observatory at this exclusive presentation
Tuesday 3 November 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Amateur astronomy for beginners

A course for those looking to make astronomy into a hobby
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings beginning 3 November 2026 and 23 February 2027
£106
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

Diwali at the National Maritime Museum

Lantern parades, dance performances and rangoli workshops: celebrate the Festival of Lights in Greenwich
Saturday 7 November 2026 | 10.30am-5pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Conferences | Maritime history

Conference - Maritime Histories from the Margins: People, Places, and Practices, 1500–Present

A two-day interdisciplinary conference exploring marginalised histories in maritime contexts from c.1500 to the present day
Wednesday 11 November 2026, 9am-5pm | Thursday 12 November, 9am-5pm
Adult: £60 | Member: £55 | Early Career Researcher/Student: £30
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

Lunar New Year

We celebrated the Year of the Horse with a whole host of Lunar New Year activities and performances
Saturday 13 February 2027 | 10am-4pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

STEM careers event 2027

Don't miss this free careers event for students interested in discovering careers in STEM
Wednesday 24 February 2027 | 10am-3pm
Free
National Maritime Museum

Gigantic Solar Prominence in Motion © Miguel Claro

Julianne and Rosalyn, Filey RNLI Lifeboat Station © Jack Lowe. National Maritime Museum, Greenwich London