Free Essential Information Location Queen's House Price Free Book tickets Plan your visit The iconic Armada portrait commemorates the most famous conflict of Elizabeth I's reign – the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in summer 1588. The painting is on permanent public display in the Queen's Presence Chamber in the Queen’s House, on the site of the original Greenwich Palace – the birthplace of Elizabeth I. The Armada Portrait summarises the hopes and aspirations of the nation at a watershed moment in history. The portrait was also designed to be a spectacle of female power and majesty, carefully calculated to inspire awe and wonder. Visit now See the Armada Portrait at the Queen's House Home Queen's House See extraordinary art for free inside one of London's most beautiful buildings Information Plan your visit Find opening times, tickets, visit and travel information to help you plan your visit to the Queen's House in Greenwich Highlights Top things to do at the Queen's House World-famous artworks, captivating architecture and fascinating royal history - don't miss these highlights of the Queen's House in Greenwich Symbols of the Armada Portrait Mary Beard, Eunice Olumide, Daniel Lismore and the Pearly Queen of Greenwich uncover the hidden meanings of the Armada Portrait. Tap to begin A woman in power Historian Mary Beard explores how Elizabeth I uses the Armada Portrait to assert her power. Fashion and colonialism Supermodel Eunice Olumide explores what the Armada Portrait has to say to us now about the costs of luxury. Gender and identity Artist Daniel Lismore reveals how Elizabeth I has inspired his own unique look. Pearls and pageantry The Pearly Queen of Royal Greenwich Gwen Jones shares her admiration for the Virgin Queen. Delve deeper Discover more about the Armada Portrait and Elizabeth I Why are there three versions of the Armada Portrait? Did you know there are three versions of the 'Armada Portrait' of Elizabeth I? Take a closer look at the different faces of a Queen... Symbolism in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I Find out more about the Tudor symbols used in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and discover what they mean Queen Elizabeth I facts and myths Did Elizabeth I have red hair? Was she really a virgin? Sift the facts from the fiction surrounding Elizabeth I Elizabeth I: fashion and beauty As the Queen of England and the nations most powerful woman, Elizabeth's taste set the of the 1500s. Queen Elizabeth I’s speech to the troops at Tilbury It has become one of the defining speeches in British history - read the words Elizabeth is supposed to have said in full Saved for the nation The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I has taken pride of place in the Queen's House since 2017. The painting had previously been owned by descendants of Sir Francis Drake, but was was acquired for the nation following a major public appeal and grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Tap the arrows to discover more about the story of the painting. A public icon In 2016, the Armada Portrait entered public ownership for the first time in its 425-year-history when it was acquired by Royal Museums Greenwich. Restored to former glory Following the portrait's acquisition, conservators undertook essential work to preserve the portrait's fragile painted surfaces. Peeling back the layers During the conservation, paint analysis revealed that the seascapes were likely painted over in the early 18th century, with the original seascapes still hidden underneath. Discover more Find out more about our conservation work Revealing an icon: conserving the ‘Armada portrait’ Discover the conservation story of the Armada Portrait's restoration, from the early research to the finishing touches. Conservation of an 18th century frame Mark Seale has been busy preparing this mid-18th century frame for its upcoming display in the Queen's House. Against the grain: the construction of Tudor panel paintings What can the back of a painting tell us? Paintings conservator Lucy Odlin sheds some light on the often overlooked underside of Tudor masterpieces. Shop for gifts inspired by an iconic Queen Understand the context, creation and significance of the Armada Portrait in our concise guide. Indulge in gifts inspired by its Elizabethan symbolism Shop Icons: The Armada Portrait £12.99 This illustrated guide gives an overview of the context, creation and significance of the Portrait, alongside evaluation of Elizabeth’s legacy... Buy Now Shop Armillary Sphere from £35.00 A wondrous decorative ornament inspired by the armillary sphere astronomical instrument. This small scale armillary sphere is just the right size for a desk or shelf... Buy Now Shop Royal Greenwich: A History in Kings and Queens by Pieter van der Merwe £20.00 Discover the rich royal history of the area where Henry VIII built his first tournament ground, Elizabeth I took daily walks in the Park, and where Charles II raced early royal yachts against his brother... Buy Now Royal Museums Greenwich Close Choose your tickets Queen's House Internationally renowned art Stunning architecture The Van de Veldes: Greenwich, Art and the Sea Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I Free entry Book online BOOK NOW 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 JOIN TODAY Member tickets Free and fast-track Museums entry Priority booking Access using your membership card Membership card number required BOOK NOW