Frequently asked venue questions

Like many listed buildings, there are a few restrictions we have to take into account, here are answers to the frequently asked questions on our venues 

Why should I use the Royal Museums of Greenwich?

We offer a full range of options across our collection to accommodate all your needs from day time meetings, corporate receptions, private dining, product launches, filming and photograph.

Which room is right for my event?

Each off our spaces offer a different capacity, our recommendations are as follows:

  • Cutty Sark - 250 seated or 450 standing reception
  • National Maritime Museum - 500 seated 450 standing reception
  • Lecture Theatre - 120 seated (daytime)
  • Queens House - 120 seated dinner, reception or ceremony, 20 boardroom
  • Royal Observatory - 60 seated 120 standing reception
  • Peter Harrison Planetarium - 80 seated dinner, 150 standing reception, 130 for a show

What is the booking procedure?

Provisional dates can be held without commitment for two weeks.  Clients will always be given notice and an opportunity to confirm before a provisionally held date is released.

Once clients have notified us they would like to book an event a contract is issued which needs to be returned within 7 days along with a deposit invoice.

What time can I access the venue for set up?

As the majority of our venues are public museums access for set up is from 17.00pm with hire from 19.00 to Midnight with the exception of the Queen’s House, which is available for daytime hire as well. We can offer extensions until 01.00 upon request at all venues

Can I bring my own catering?

Due to the sensitive nature of our buildings and collections only our approved catering, floristry and production suppliers are permitted we work with a great list of suppliers who you can contact for more information.

Are there any restrictions when hiring the venue?

Due to the historic floors and collections you will need to consider the following:
  • we allow light coloured drink service only during standing receptions in the Queen’s House, the Cutty Sark Decks, Flamsteed House and Neptune Court
  • Lilies and flowers with staining stamens are permitted with stamens removed
  • Each venue has outdoor space permitted for smoking, however indoor smoking, naked flames, candles, confetti, helium balloons and dry ice are not permitted
  • We kindly ask guests not to wear stiletto heels in the Queen’s House or on the Cutty Sark Decks, any guests who do will be given a heel protector upon arrival 
  • Free standing branding and product displays are welcome, however attachment onto the fabric of our buildings is not authorized

What do the venue hire fees include?

Exclusive use of the venue on your choosen evening for the full hire period.  The full operational support from the Event Team in the run-up to your event and one of our Event Managers to co-ordinate and deliver your event n the day.  Security staff and cleaning.

Is there park on site?

Unfortunately there is no parking available on site, however there are local car parks and we are just a few minutes walk from Cutty Sark DLR and Greenwich mainline train.  Access is also available on the Thames riverboat service.