The most intimate and experiential event venue in the Royal Museums Greenwich portfolio
The Royal Observatory is the most intimate and experiential event venue in Royal Museum's Greenwich's portfolio, suitable for holding exclusive dinners for up to 60 guests, or elegant receptions for up to 120. Being one of the most important scientific sites in the world, event guests enjoy exploring the origins of British astronomy, Greenwich Meantime and the Prime Meridian of the World whilst enjoying premium local food and beverage and spectacular views across London. Located in the heart of Greenwich Park, this event venue aligns history, science and technology briefs with green, outdoor space and is a great option for product launch events.
Standing receptions can take place in the open air on the Meridian Line itself in the Meridian Courtyard which offers views as far as the O2 in one direction and St Paul's Cathedral in the other, and the backdrop of Flamsteed House. In colder weather, events move within Flamsteed House. Drinks receptions can be enjoyed inside the Time and Longitude Galleries which houses John Harrison's iconic time pieces before guests head up to the Octagon Room at the top of Flamsteed House for dinner, bathed in natural daylight or enhanced with inbuilt event lighting. At the Royal Observatory, our clients often enhance their event with bespoke talks and tours, lunar observations and telescope viewings.
The Royal Observatory has hosted events for clients like Patek Philippe, Swatch Group, KPMG, Liberty Markets, Mercer and Balblair.
Contact us to start planning your event
Email: events@rmg.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0)208 312 8517
The Royal Observatory is suitable for:
- Brand activations for up to 120
- Dinners for up to 60
- Experiences and tours for up to 100
- Gallery dining experiences for up to 60
- Intimate weddings for up to 60
- Product launches for up to 120
- Receptions for up to 120
The Royal Observatory was nominated for Best Private Dining Venue at the Prestigious Star Awards in 2024.
Event spaces at the Royal Observatory
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Octagon Room - Flamsteed House
The Octagon Room within Flamsteed House offers an elegant and refined ceremony or dinner location for up to 60 people, surrounded by original Sir Christopher Wren interiors. Large windows on all 8 walls offer skyline views of London, sunrise and sunset glows and the chance to enjoy the changing night sky.
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Meridian Courtyard - Flamsteed House
The Meridian Courtyard, included in every venue hire, offers outdoor reception space for up to 120 guests with views stretching across Greenwich Park, Canary Wharf and London. Allow your guests to stand on the Meridian Line, where the eastern and western hemispheres meet, or enjoy telescope viewings from the private balcony. From May 2026, Luke Jerram's Mirror Moon installation will offer event guests a multi-sensory experience during drinks receptions.
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Time and Longitude Galleries - Flamsteed House
The Time and Longitude galleries, suitable for 80 guests standing, within Flamsteed House allow event guests to follow the quest for navigational timekeeping at sea and get up close to many of John Harrison's famous chronometers.
Private Dining Venue Nominee 2024 in the globally recognised Prestigious Star Awards
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I hire the Royal Observatory for an event?
Yes! We offer evening hire of the Royal Observatory for events.
Can I host a dinner at the Royal Observatory?
Yes! You can host dinners for up to 60 guests at the Royal Observatory. Dinner is served in the Octagon Room on round tables, or for smaller groups of up to 24 people dinner can be served on one long table.
Can I bring my own suppliers?
No, we work with an approved list of suppliers for all catering, production, floristry, fireworks, drones and marquee builds, and we offer a recommended list of suppliers for photography, entertainment, event planning and other event enhancements. We know that exceptional suppliers make exceptional events and we work tirelessly to provide our clients with suppliers that can bring creativity, functionality and precision to your event. Take a look at our suppliers here.
Are there restrictions at the Royal Observatory?
Yes, we have some restrictions in place to protect the venue. These include, but are not limited to:
- No staining food or drink served
- No dancing
- No DJs/Bands - acoustic music only
Please speak to us for further information.
How do guests get to the Royal Observatory?
The Royal Observatory is located within Greenwich Park; during park opening times, guests can make their own way to and from the venue. When the park is closed, we arrange a minibus to take guests from St Mary's Gate (north east entrance to Greenwich Park) to the entrance of the Royal Observatory, and again to take them back at the end of the event. For further details on park opening and closing times, see the Greenwich Park website.
Can I arrange my own minibus to the venue?
Yes, you are welcome to arrange your own vehicle, however the maximum size of the vehicle can be a 17 seater to be able to get through the gates and successfully reach the Royal Observatory. If you are bringing your own vehicle, we will need to speak to them in advance to share details of Greenwich Park's vehicular policy. Guests cannot drive their own vehicle to the venue.
How much does an event cost at the Royal Observatory?
Generally, our clients spend between £25,000 - £50,000+VAT on their events at the Royal Observatory. This will vary vastly from client to client, as everything we do is entirely bespoke. We will work with you to establish the most suitable suppliers from our approved list for your budget.
Can I include a tour during my event?
Absolutely! We can coordinate tours for your guests, in groups of up to 15 people. Guests can see the Great Equatorial Telescope, the Meridian Line and some of our iconic collection items.
Can I have an event on the Meridian Line?
Yes! All Royal Observatory venue hires include the Meridian Courtyard, where the Meridian Line is located. Up to 120 guests can enjoy a reception in the courtyard, on the Meridian Line, and enjoy the panoramic view of London.
What can you see from the Royal Observatory during an event?
The view from the Royal Observatory is breathtaking, and includes the O2, Canary Wharf, the Old Royal Naval College and the City of London. In the winter months, the view is still impressive with London's Christmas lights and the Queen's House Ice Rink on display.
Can I extend my hire?
No, the Royal Observatory can only be hired until 11pm.
Explore all the venues in our portfolio
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RMG Grounds | Venue Hire
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