For 350 years Royal Observatory Greenwich has been a place where people come together to explore the universe. 

Generations of astronomers spent countless nights looking up at the night sky, mapping the stars and measuring time. Their efforts gave us the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), helping us find our place in the world. 

But the story doesn’t end there.

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Today almost one million people from the UK and around the world visit the Royal Observatory every year. It’s home to historic buildings and cutting-edge astronomy, precious instruments and London’s only Planetarium. A day out at the Observatory is a trip through time, a voyage round the globe and a journey into space – all rolled into one. 

It's time to discover the next exciting chapter in the Royal Observatory's history.

A 3D model showing an overhead view of Royal Observatory Greenwich. The model presents proposed changes to the historic site, including a new visitor pavilion, landscaping and galleries A 3D model showing an overhead view of Royal Observatory Greenwich

First Light: bringing the wonders of the universe to Greenwich

We are embarking on a landmark capital project to transform the Royal Observatory and make science and astronomy accessible to all.

The project, known as First Light, will bring the story of this historic site to life, and give everyone the chance to experience the wonders of space and time for themselves.

Inspiring galleries and displays, innovative architecture, sensitive conservation and improved access will all help unlock the Observatory's full potential.

The First Light project is named after the moment a telescope is first used to view and record the night’s sky. A telescope’s ‘first light’ is anticipated throughout its construction and is hopeful of future scientific discoveries. 

This is your chance to be part of the Royal Observatory's story. Help protect a unique heritage site, and get ready to see the universe in a whole new light.

What's changing?

See how First Light will inspire everyone to explore the wonders of time and space.

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New visitor entrance

A new entrance pavilion will provide a welcoming focal point for anyone visiting the jewel in the crown of Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inspired by the elegance of navigational instruments, the pavilion will create a new gateway at the heart of our site. It will guide visitors in while creating a more seamless fusion with the surrounding park and help with orientation across the whole site.

Image courtesy of Jamie Fobert Architects

Improved access

We want all audiences to be able to enjoy the Observatory and its treasured collections. The project is committed to improving all access – physical, intellectual, cultural and financial – to the heritage site, our collections, programmes and people.

This will include a new lift tower, which will provide full accessibility to the Great Equatorial Telescope for the first time ever.

Image courtesy of Jamie Fobert Architects

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Science that changed the world

New galleries will chart the history of the Royal Observatory, exploring how the meticulous observation and scientific work undertaken here at Greenwich laid the foundations for our modern world.

New astronomy galleries

A series of interactive galleries will be designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and astronomers, and encourage all visitors to explore the fundamentals of astronomy: Light, Matter and Motion.

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Transformed displays

The project will offer multiple ways for visitors to appreciate some of the most precious objects in the Observatory’s care – from John Harrison’s revolutionary timekeepers to the instruments that defined the Prime Meridian line itself.

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Unforgettable encounters

The new 'Astronomers' Court' will give visitors, schools and community groups exciting ways to connect with Observatory astronomers and scientists. The space will allow people to get hands on with live science demonstrations and hear about the latest discoveries.

Image courtesy of Jamie Fobert Architects

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A revitalised landscape

Inspired by the Observatory’s rich history and the beautiful surroundings of Greenwich Park, new landscaping and planting will bring the site together and set buildings in a lush green space. The project will create new areas for visitors to relax, while improving the sustainability of the site.

Image courtesy of Jamie Fobert Architects

A place protected for generations to come

All this will be delivered alongside vital conservation, restoration and repair of the listed heritage buildings.

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Impacts for visitors

The First Light project is set to begin in autumn 2025, with all work due to be complete by spring 2028. 

During construction there will be some phased closures, beginning with the south side of the site. 

The Peter Harrison Planetarium and the building it is in will be closed from Monday 8 September 2025. Visitors will still be able to access the majority of the Royal Observatory site, including Prime Meridian Line, Meridian Observatory and the galleries within the historic Flamsteed House.

We will provide as much notice as possible to our visitors about any future closures, and our astronomy teams are already working on plans to take their expertise and events out to the National Maritime Museum and the wider community.

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