Lunar New Year visitor guide

Pre-bookable tickets for Lunar New Year are now sold out. Visitors can choose to come along on the day, but please be aware that the event is likely to be extremely busy and entry cannot be guaranteed. Tickets do not guarantee access to performances, talks and activities.

We highly recommend booking the Chinese Astronomy planetarium show online in advance as capacity is limited and slots can sell out. Find out more about all current Planetarium shows here.

Wristbands for performances on the Great Map will be handed out on the day to manage capacity and ensure as many people as possible can attend a show.

500 wristbands are available for each performance. Pick up your band from the Voyagers Gallery near to the Parkside Entrance of the Museum (close to the Museum café) before a show is due to start.

Visitors will also need tickets for family storytelling sessions in the Lecture Theatre. Ask for them in the Voyagers Gallery.

Workshops and family activities do not require tickets, but please be patient if there is a queue to take part. The Lecture Theatre has limited capacity, and seating for all talks operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

The National Maritime Museum is a quick, easy journey from central London, and right in the heart of historic Greenwich. Find more information about travelling by public transport or by car here.

If you are planning on attending the Chinese Astronomy show, the Planetarium is located a short walk away at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Allow 15 minutes to walk up the hill in Greenwich Park: you can find a map showing all Royal Museums Greenwich sites here.

The National Maritime Museum is open from 10am, with workshops starting as soon as doors open. Check the event schedule for full timings.

The Museum closes at 5pm; these are no evening events taking place in Greenwich this year.

Download a National Maritime Museum floor plan to help navigate the Museum, and ask staff for directions if you're not sure where to go. The event schedule below includes timings and locations for all activities.

Lunar New Year features live music and performances, and the central area beneath the glass roof can be quite loud while these are taking place.

If you struggle with noise then a limited number of ear defenders are available to borrow from our welcome desks. Staff can also direct you to quieter areas within the Museum.

Visitors will be asked to sit on the floor to watch the performances on the Great Map. An accessible viewing area is available for visitors who are unable to sit on the floor or stand for long periods of time. You will still need to get a wristband for the performance to access this area.

Child and adult ear defenders are available to borrow at the Information Desks. Please return these after use.

A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. Please pre-book these in advance by emailing bookings@rmg.co.uk

Detailed information for anyone who appreciates some extra preparation before visiting is available in the National Maritime Museum's access guide.

A visual guide is also available, providing pictures and descriptions of the various areas in the Museum.

Find general information about facilities at the National Maritime Museum here including cloakrooms, baby change and accessibility, and information for disabled visitors coming to any of our sites.