Essential Information
| Location |
Royal Observatory
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|---|---|
| Price | Included with Royal Observatory entry |
The Royal Observatory Greenwich camera obscura is housed in a small summerhouse in the Meridian Courtyard.
There have been a number of camera obscuras at Greenwich, dating from the late 17th century till the mid-19th century. The current one was installed in 1994 and shows a close-up, moving panorama of Greenwich and the Thames, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Naval College.
What is a Camera Obscura?
A precursor to the photographic camera, it is also known as a pinhole image. A natural optical phenomenon, it occurs when an obstructed image is displayed through a small hole. When the image is reversed and inverted onto an opposite wall, it offers the viewer a close up look at the image. This method was originally used to study eclipses, without needing to look at the sun.
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Choose your tickets
Royal Observatory
- Walk the Prime Meridian line
- See the best view in London
- Guaranteed entry time
- Audio guide included
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | £20 |
|---|---|
| Child | £10 |
Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass
- Save 25% with combo ticket
- Cutty Sark
- Royal Observatory
- Guaranteed entry time
- Planetarium shows not included
| Adult | £30 |
|---|---|
| Child | £15 |
Member tickets
- Unlimited free entry
- Priority booking and exclusive events
- Access using your membership card
| Membership card number required |
|---|
Become a Member
- Unlimited entry all year
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- Planetarium Shows
- Special exhibitions
| Direct Debit | One-off |
|---|---|
| Individual: £50 | Individual: £60 |
| Family: from £60 | Family: from £70 |