A history of the Royal Observatory
Find out more about the founding of the Royal Observatory, and how Greenwich came to be known as the 'Home of Time'
Story topic
Christopher Wren
Best known for designing St. Paul's Cathedral, Christopher Wren's two loves of astronomy and architecture were combined when he worked on the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Visitor highlight
Altazimuth Pavilion
See the beautiful Altazimuth Pavilion, home of the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope
Story topic
King Charles II | The public and personal life of a British monarch
He was certainly mercurial and brilliant, and quite possibly lustful and in the grip of dark and foreign powers. King Charles II was, however, one of the nation's most interesting and beguiling rulers.
Story topic
Royal portraits in Royal Museums Greenwich’s collection
Come face to face with Kings and Queens, and discover 500 years of royal portraits at the Queen's House in Greenwich
Event
Observatory Unlocked
Drop by and chat with our Royal Observatory Explainers as they bring science and astronomy to life
Visitor highlight
Christopher Wren's Octagon Room
The beautiful Octagon Room at Flamsteed House is the oldest part of the Royal Observatory
Visitor highlight
John Harrison's marine timekeepers
Revolutionary timepieces that allowed ships to determine their longitude at sea
Story topic
Space and astronomy highlights in 2025
What's worth looking up for in 2025? Discover this year's must-see moments with Royal Observatory astronomers
An art lover's guide to the Queen’s House
Royal portraits, seascapes and cutting-edge sculptures are just some of the masterpieces to see