New illustrated book The Ocean Map launches for World Ocean Day at the National Maritime Museum
To celebrate World Ocean Day 2026, the National Maritime Museum is publishing a new illustrated book, The Ocean Map, and hosting a free festival inviting families to explore the wonders of the ocean.
Written by Aimee Mook, ocean expert and Museum curator, the book is published on 4 June 2026 and presents the ocean as a single, connected system using the Spilhaus projection. It guides readers through deep ocean trenches, glaciers, coral reefs, wind farms, shipping canals and other natural and human‑made features. Illustrated throughout, the book provides clear explanations of ocean processes, habitats, biodiversity, climate and renewable energy.
The Ocean Map draws on the Museum’s work in ocean literacy, encouraging readers to see the world from an ocean‑first point of view. Written for younger audiences as well as anyone beginning to explore ocean science, the book highlights how people and animals rely on the ocean, and how scientists study this vast, interconnected environment. Locations featured include the Challenger Deep, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the Great Barrier Reef, the Suez and Panama Canals, and Thwaites Glacier.
The book can be preordered online now: https://shop.rmg.co.uk/collections/our-publications/products/the-ocean-map-exploring-our-watery-world
Download relevant images here: https://we.tl/t-ac26OyUBhSao128N | Please credit all images © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
World Ocean Day Festival at the National Maritime Museum
On 6 June 2026, the National Maritime Museum will host its annual World Ocean Day Festival, offering a full programme of free activities helping families connect with the ocean through science, creativity and live performance. Events will take place across the Museum’s galleries and outdoor spaces, with opportunities to engage with marine science, ocean conservation and global maritime cultures.
Festival highlights include:
Live storytelling inspired by the Ocean Map
Professional storyteller Olivia Armstrong will present a new piece inspired by the Museum’s floor‑scale Ocean Map installation. Her performances use sound, movement and storytelling to bring the ocean to life for audiences of all ages.
Hands‑on ocean activities
Visitors can take part in stalls and workshops delivered by organisations including Surfers Against Sewage, Creekside Discovery Centre and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Activities range from creative sessions and ocean‑themed performances to opportunities to learn about marine biodiversity, coastal environments and conservation.
Talks, demonstrations and tours
Throughout the day, free talks and demonstrations will explore ocean science, climate, biodiversity, maritime culture and human interaction with the sea. Museum staff will also lead guided tours across the galleries.
World Ocean Day is recognised internationally on 8 June, and Royal Museums Greenwich has celebrated it annually since 2018.
More information and the full schedule can be found on the website: https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/world-ocean-day
INFORMATION FOR VISITORS:
World Ocean Day Festival
Venue: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
Dates: 6 June 2026
Opening times: 10.00 – 17.00
Admission: Free
Visitor enquiries: 020 8858 4422
Twitter: @RMGreenwich
Instagram: @royalmuseumsgreenwich
Facebook: @royalmuseumsgreenwich
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The National Maritime Museum holds the world’s largest maritime collection telling stories of Britain’s relationship with the sea.
- The National Maritime Museum is part of Royal Museums Greenwich which also incorporates the 17th-century Queen’s House, Royal Observatory Greenwich and the famous clipper ship Cutty Sark. This unique collection of museums and heritage buildings form a key part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a major centre of education and research. The mission of Royal Museums Greenwich is to enrich people’s understanding of the sea, the exploration of space, and Britain's role in world history. For more information, visit www.rmg.co.uk
- Aimee Mook is the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Curator of Contemporary Maritime at Royal Museums Greenwich, with expertise in ocean literacy, marine science and contemporary life at sea. Her research and curatorial interests include shipworm, guano and the Bermuda Triangle. She has contributed to public and media-facing work through BBC regional radio interviews, AQUILA magazine, Britain – The Official Magazine and the Talk of the Thames podcast. She is also the Curatorial department’s shark enthusiast.
- Publication details:
The Ocean Map
Colour illustrations throughout
Hardback, 48 pages, 270 x 215 mm
ISBN: 978-1-917985-04-8
Price: £14.99
Publication date: 4 June 2026
For further information or images please contact:
Royal Museums Greenwich Press Office
Tel: 020 8312 6545/6789/6589
Email: press@rmg.co.uk