The Queen's House is Greenwich's hidden gem.
Designed in the 17th century as a royal 'House of Delights', today it is an elegant art gallery and architectural masterpiece.
But the Queen's House creative spirit still burns bright. With an extensive programme of exhibitions, concerts, talks and performances, there is always something new to find within its walls.
See a taste of what you could discover, and book your free tickets to the Queen's House today.
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Visit the Queen
The iconic Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I commemorates the most famous conflict of the Tudor monarch's reign – the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in the summer of 1588.
Although the Queen’s House was not built until after she died, Elizabeth I was born in Greenwich and spent a lot of time here during her reign.
The Armada Portrait is one of the most recognisable images of the Queen, or of any English monarch. The work is on permanent display in the Queen's Presence Chamber, and is one of the jewels in the crown of the Queen's House art collection.
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Check out iconic architecture
Anne of Denmark, the wife of King James I, commissioned the Queen’s House in 1616. Her vision was for it to be a garden retreat set between the River Thames and Greenwich Park.
Inigo Jones, England's first great architect, was tasked with the project. His final creation was a piece of ground-breaking architectural design, the first fully classical building in the country. Set alongside the red brick Tudor palace nearby it was revolutionary, so much so that it was known simply as 'The White House'.
Inigo Jones's design was a game-changer, setting the blueprint for maritime Greenwich and establishing the Queen's House as one of the most important buildings in Britain's architectural history.
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Discover world-famous artists
The Queen’s House is a treasure trove for art lovers. From historic masterpieces to new commissions, its collections encompass seascapes, royal portraits and contemporary sculpture.
Look out for pieces by Turner, Canaletto, Gainsborough, L.S. Lowry and Alberta Whittle among the 450-plus artworks on display.
Climb the Tulip Stairs
Head in a spin? Take a breath and take time out to admire the beautiful Tulip Stairs.
When the staircase was installed in the Queen's House, it was the first unsupported spiral staircase in Britain. Even today the stairs seem to defy gravity, with its captivating spiral linking the upper floors with the dramatic Great Hall.
And if you were wondering why the stairs are known as the 'Tulip Stairs', look closely at the delicate flower pattern in the bannisters when you visit.
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See Turner's largest artwork
J.M.W. Turner’s The Battle of Trafalgar is one of the highlights of the Queen’s House collection. Measuring more than three metres wide by two metres in height, it’s a work that is colossal both in scale and ambition.
It depicts the British naval victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. Look closely to spot toppling masts, hidden messages and broken ships.
The latest chapter in its story occurred in October 2025, when it was installed in the Queen’s House. Due to its size, the canvas had to be carefully craned and manoeuvred through a window, and the sections of its frame reassembled once inside.
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Brush up on royal history
There's a reason this part of London is known as Royal Greenwich.
Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Mary were all born in Greenwich; Henry VIII even had two of his weddings here.
Stuart queens Anne of Denmark and Henrietta Maria meanwhile were key to the building of the Queen’s House, and helped to develop its reputation as a royal 'House of Delights'.
The Queen's House days as an official residence may be over, but it still has a gift for regal charm. Did you know for instance that it was one of the key filming locations for Netflix's The Crown?
Uncover cutting-edge contemporary art
Did you know that the Queen’s House was designed as a space to showcase the pioneering artists of the age? Today the Queen’s House continues this tradition, commissioning and displaying pieces from leading artists.
Don’t miss The Keeper of All The Secrets, a ceramic tea service by Jacqueline Bishop; and seek out Maisie Maud Broadhead’s 17th century-inspired photographic portraits: Artist Sitting and Explorer. Other highlights include works by Tania Kovats, Leah Gordon, Alberta Whittle and Richard Wright.
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Gaze out at the view
When the Old Royal Naval College was being built, Queen Mary stipulated that the new buildings should not block the view of the Thames from the Queen’s House - a request that Sir Christopher Wren fulfilled.
Despite not spending time at the Queen’s House herself, Mary’s decision has defined this stretch of Greenwich, creating one of the most beautiful views of London. While this side of the river has altered little since the 18th century, the view across the Thames has changed radically, not least with the building and development of Canary Wharf.
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Listen to engaging tours and talks
Step back in time and uncover the stories of the Queen’s House, led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides. Explore the unique architecture and history of the former royal residence on ‘The Queen’s House Classic Treasures Tour’ and enjoy exclusive access to the balcony.
Dive deeper into the building's past and our collection during our free gallery talks. Come and learn about subjects from the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I to the lives of Dutch artists the Van de Veldes. All tours and talks are subject to staff availability – check here to find out what’s currently on offer.
Marvel at the drama of the Solebay Tapestry
Once adorning the walls of royal residences, the 'Solebay' tapestry is the largest tapestry in Royal Museums Greenwich's collection.
Featuring burning ships, churning waves and columns of smoke, the tapestry depicts the events of the Battle of Solebay in May 1672, an inconclusive naval conflict between a Dutch fleet and a combined force of English and French ships.
Dating from the late 17th century, the work was originally part of a series of six giant tapestries commissioned by King Charles II to record the battle.
Following extensive conservation treatment, the tapestry is now back on public display in the King's Presence Chamber.
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Look at a rediscovered masterpiece
A long-lost portrait by the acclaimed 18th-century painter Thomas Gainsborough has been discovered in Royal Museums Greenwich’s collections.
The painting, one of the finest surviving examples of Gainsborough’s early portrait work, depicts naval officer Captain Frederick Cornewall.
In 2023 the Museum launched a public appeal to conserve this historic painting. Your support helped raise a remarkable £43,000, allowing us to save this missing masterpiece from obscurity.
Now the portrait is on public display for the first time in over three decades. From Museum store to gallery wall, visit the Queen's House to see this rediscovered masterpiece for yourself.
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Follow the free audio guides
Listen to expert commentary on the history of the Queen’s House as you walk around – and find out more about the artworks on display using your phone.
We've partnered with Smartify, the world's most downloaded museum app, to make it easier than ever to explore the Queen's House.
The highlights audio tour is free to access and you can do it all using your own phone. To get started, click here to listen to the tour, or download Smartify for free from the Apple or Android app stores.
As well as the main tour, you can also now discover the fabulous 'Fierce Royals' audio tour, led by queer historian and performer Christian Adore. The guide shines a light on often hidden LGBTQ+ histories and influences, and opens up the unique stories of the Queen's House past and present.
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Experience classical music in sublime surroundings
If you’re seeking extraordinary performances in an exquisite setting, why not check out our range of concerts? Whether you want to attend a free lunchtime recital – given by students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – or listen to an evening of chamber music, we have a rich programme of events on offer.
Keep an eye on our 'What's On' listings for details of our seasonal Christmas and summer concerts.
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Spot the Queen's House ghost
Do you believe in ghosts? The legend of the Queen's House ghost began in 1966, when Reverend and Mrs R. W. Hardy captured this spooky shot of a spectral figure (or figures) ascending the Tulip Stairs.
The mystery thickens, as the couple were adamant that the stairway was clear when they took the photograph...
Haunted or not, the Queen's House is filled with stories of those who have lived and worked here. Look out for your chance to meet some of the characters connected to the House on your visit.
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