Essential information
| Type |
Events and festivals
|
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and times | 12-20 September 2026 |
| Prices | Prices vary for different activities |
Head to the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum, where we're celebrating the wonders of the Moon and exploring all the brilliance of our closest celestial neighbour.
Moon Celebration Week brings together science, history and creativity, with a range of activities from talks and tours to hands-on workshops.
There's something for all ages to enjoy; this is your invitation to discover, reflect and look up together.
See the programme below, with more details to be announced.
This special week celebrates the Moon as part of NASA's International Observe the Moon Night initiative.
Activities at a glance
| Date | Time | Location | Activity |
| Daily | 1.30pm | Royal Observatory Greenwich | Lunar Tour |
| All week | Various times | National Maritime Museum | Astronomers Take Over |
| 12 September | 11-11.45am | National Maritime Museum | Wonders of the Moon talk |
| 16 September | 7-8.30pm | Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre | Curator tour - Moonstruck: History’s Obsessive Lunar Cartographers |
| 18 September | 2.30-4.30pm | National Maritime Museum | Lego: Moon - Moon-themed lego workshop |
| 19 September | 6-8pm | National Maritime Museum | Evening of Astrophotography |
| 19 September | TBC | National Maritime Museum | Interactive lunar bots activity |
Full programme
Image
Lunar Tours
Royal Observatory Greenwich | Daily tours at 1.30pm | Adults: £5, Students: £3.50, Children: £2.50 | In addition to Royal Observatory entry
Come and find out about our history of observing, mapping and exploring the Moon, our closest neighbour.
The Lunar Tour at the Royal Observatory looks at the Moon's impact on our world, humanity's dedication to figuring out its many mysteries and just how much it really takes to love something 'to the moon and back'.
Image
Wonders of the Moon with Raman Prinja
National Maritime Museum | Saturday 12 September | 11-11.45am | Adults: £5, Children: £4, 15% off for Members
Professor Raman Prinja MBE, author of Wonders of the Moon, will present a highly informative guide to the past, present and future of the Moon in this talk for older children.
With visually stunning illustrations, Raman will explore the greatness of our cosmic companion and the challenges for the next generation of Moon-landers.
Expect key science learning and close-up details of the brightest light in the night sky!
Recommended for children aged 9+ years.
Image
Astronomers Take Over: Moon Week
Astronomers Take Over within the National Maritime Museum | All week
Our classic planetarium show 'The Night Sky' is getting an exciting lunar theme! Our astronomers will take you on a tour of the night sky and reveal the marvels of the Moon.
Ages 7+.
Book Astronomers Take Over and planetarium tickets
Image
Curator Tour - Moonstruck: History’s Obsessive Lunar Cartographers
Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre | Wednesday 16 September 2026 | 7-8.30pm | Adults: £20, Students: £15, Members: £10
For centuries the Moon has exerted a mystical pull on the human imagination, especially for the artist John Russell, who spent 30 years meticulously observing the night sky to craft his breathtaking lunar globe, the Selenographia.
Step behind the scenes at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre with Tim May, Curator of Maps and Mobilities, to explore the remarkable history of moon mapping - from the Elizabethan Age to the Space Race.
Get a closer look at the Selenographia and other rare objects from the collection to learn how technological breakthroughs revolutionised our understanding of the Moon.
Ages 16+.
Image
Lego: Moon
National Maritime Museum | Friday 18 September | 2.30-4.30pm | Free
Ever wanted to explore the Moon? Join our astronomy team for an interactive LEGO® and DUPLO® brick workshop. Come along to learn all about lunar exploration; build a rocket to help you get there, and a lunar base for when you land!
Recommended for families with children under 12.
Part of Astronomy Lego Brick Club on Fridays
Image
Evening of Astrophotography
National Maritime Museum | Saturday 19 September | 6-8pm | Adults: £14, Students and Under 25s: £10
Join Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomers and a panel of expert astrophotographers on International Observe the Moon Night for an inspiring evening exploring how they capture our nearest celestial neighbour: the Moon.
Hear from the panellists as they share their approaches, perspectives and experiences of capturing the lunar surface on camera.
Afterwards, take a look around the spectacular, brand-new exhibition of shortlisted and winning photographs from ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026.
What is International Observe the Moon Night?
International Observe the Moon Night is an occasion set up by NASA to bring people together worldwide to celebrate, learn about and observe our moon.
NASA says, "Everyone on Earth is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon. We encourage everyone to interpret 'observe' broadly!"
The Place for Space
Blast off to Royal Museums Greenwich for a full programme of space-themed fun across our sites, perfect for all ages
What’s on
Find more space-themed fun across our sites
Supported by
Header image: Lunar mosaic by Tom Kerss using the Royal Observatory's Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope