Essential Information
| Location |
National Maritime Museum
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| Price | Free |
The gallery tells the story of the Royal Navy and the British people, from the Glorious Revolution of 1688 to the defeat of Napoleon in 1815.
Inside the gallery
From bustling dockyards to ferocious sea battles, Nelson, Navy, Nation brings to life the tumultuous 18th century, exploring how the Royal Navy shaped everyday lives as it became a central part of society, and turned seafarers into national celebrities.
Image
Discover what made men join up, how they lived and what kept them in line, and how the Navy loomed large in all areas of the popular imagination, from caricatures to keepsakes and collectables.
The gallery also includes personal items belonging to Nelson, including the uniform he was wearing when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Triumph and loss, fear and bravery, fame and pain - discover the history of life at sea at the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery.
Behind the scenes
Nelson's jacket is just one of a number of personal items in the gallery, from shoes worn by a sailor hoping to impress while on shore leave, to surgical tools used during moments of extreme crisis.
Discover more about how Nelson was perceived at the time, and how together these objects seek to tell us more about the history of Britain at sea.
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Gifts inspired by life in the Georgian Navy
Delve deeper
Nelson the man
As well as being a naval hero, Lord Nelson was an interesting and complex man. His letters and diaries reveal much about his character
Conserving a 200 year old flag from the Battle of Trafalgar
Nicola Yates, Senior Textile Conservator, talks about how this unique object was restored for the gallery
The Battle of Trafalgar: letters from the Lower Deck
Discover some of the letters sent by ordinary sailors written before and after the Battle of Trafalgar
Greenwich Hospital
Greenwich Hospital was founded on the belief that England should look after its injured and aged sailors
Choose your tickets
National Maritime Museum
- Guaranteed entry time
- Access to all free galleries and activities
- Special exhibitions free in 2024
| Free entry |
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| Book online |
Member tickets
- Unlimited free entry
- Priority booking and exclusive events
- Access using your membership card
| Membership card number required |
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Become a Member
- Unlimited entry all year
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- Planetarium Shows
- Special exhibitions
| Direct Debit | One-off |
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| Individual: £50 | Individual: £60 |
| Family: from £60 | Family: from £70 |