• Includes a Planetarium, with live astronomer presented shows, and a science learning space.
  • A chance for visitors to meet and chat to real astronomers and ask all their space questions.
  • Other programming throughout the year includes science theatre and astronomy events.

Opening 27 March 2026, Astronomers Take Over, is a new temporary gallery at the National Maritime Museum. This playful hands-on space gives visitors the opportunity to meet Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers, participate in science demonstrations and ask questions about space and astronomy. It is a family-friendly experience suitable for anyone with an interest in astronomy. 

Astronomers Take Over includes a gallery and a Planetarium where visitors can learn all about the night sky. A variety of shows are available, suitable for a range of ages, all led by an astronomer. For young visitors, ‘Animals in Space!’ explores the contributions and influences of animals, from the space race to what we see in the stars. ‘The Night Sky’ provides a classic guide to the cosmos and ‘Solar System Sightseeing’ is an introduction to our celestial neighbourhood. 

The gallery covers key areas of our Universe including zones on Mars, the Moon and stars and starlight. Visitors can participate in explainer-led demonstrations using large inflatables, try to aim a lander on a Martian crater and learn about spectroscopy, a brilliant tool astronomers use to find out what stars are made of. The immersive Galaxy Box gives a feel for outer space and shows how vast the Universe truly is. 

In addition to the interactive elements, the gallery features interviews with experts. Sir Brian May and J-P Metsävainio, visual artist and astrophotographer, explain how technology has changed our understanding of the Universe. Professor Sanjeev Gupta shares his work on some of humankind’s most amazing space missions, including his work on Mars, and curator Dr Louise Devoy explores the history of the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

A scavenger hunt will take visitors on a trail to discover some of the most weird and wonderful items that astronauts have taken into space including a gorilla suit, Luke Skywalker’s lightsabre and an espresso machine.

Science theatre shows will also be running from 3 April 2026 at the National Maritime Museum. Unboxing the Universe will be packed with demonstrations, surprising smells, experiments and hands-on audience moments. 

Elizabeth Avery, Head of Astronomy at Royal Observatory Greenwich said, ‘Astronomers Take Over is an incredible opportunity to meet the Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomy team and try something different.  We are very excited to share what we have been working on with our visitors and have some science fun together.’

The National Maritime Museum is part of Royal Museums Greenwich so if you want to make a day of it, there is so much more to see and do - from visiting the award-winning Cutty Sark, exploring the Cove playground, to standing on the world-famous Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. With easy transport links, Greenwich is just 8 minutes from London Bridge, or arrive by boat along the River Thames. There is also the added benefit of some parking at the site.

Astronomy programming is kindly supported by Bloomberg, CGI and Michael Edwards OBE.

 

Exhibition information for visitors:

Venue:                                    National Maritime Museum, London

Dates:                                     27 March 2026 – 2028

Tickets:                                    Adult (16+) £16; Child (4-15) £16 | Experience only: £8

Website:                                 https://rmg.co.uk/takeover

Visitor Enquiries:                   020 8858 4422 | bookings@rmg.co.uk

Twitter:                                   @RMGreenwich 

Instagram:                             @royalmuseumsgreenwich

Facebook                                /royalmuseumsgreenwich

 

Notes to editors: 

  1. The National Maritime Museum holds the world’s largest maritime collection. It is part of Royal Museums Greenwich which also incorporates the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the 17th-century Queen’s House and clipper ship Cutty Sark. This unique collection of museums and heritage buildings, which form a key part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomes visitors from around the world every year and is 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.
  2. Sir Brian May and J-P Metsävainio are co-authors of a new book Islands in Infinity: Galaxies in 3-D by Professor Derek Ward Thompson, Sir Brian May and J-P Metsävainio published by The London Stereoscopic Company.