Located at the heart of the National Maritime Museum, Ocean Court is the place to explore the ocean.  

It's home to the Ocean Map, a giant map of our watery world. Leap across the seas, spot incredible sea creatures and discover why the ocean is vital to all life on Earth.

To celebrate the reopening of Ocean Court we’re hosting a special season of events. There’s plenty to discover, from ocean festivals to family activities. Come along, make a splash and see what’s on offer below. 

What’s On

Family fun | Ocean Court

Ready Steady Sail!

Join us for a day of ocean fun with crafting, storytelling and through an interactive walkabout performance to bring our new Ocean Map to life!
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July | 10.30am, 12pm, 1.45pm, 3.15pm - sold out
Free
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Ocean Court

Lecture: Blue Machine

Discover the blue machine that drives our planet with scientist and presenter Dr Helen Czerski
Monday 21 July 2025 l 6.30pm
Adult: £12
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Ocean Court

Ocean: above and below

Dive into an ocean adventure with free activities every day at the National Maritime Museum this summer!
Daily except Mondays | 23 July - 31 August 2025
Free
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals | Ocean Court

International Slavery Remembrance Day

Explore the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition at the National Maritime Museum
Saturday 23 August 2025 | 11am-5pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
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Movement on the Map: Yoga

13 June at 9.30am | Free 

Get moving on the new Ocean Map with a gentle yoga session. No prior experience is necessary – please bring a yoga mat with you. 

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Windrush Day

21 June from 11am-4pm | Free 

From live music and crafting activities to family history workshops and artist talks, learn about the significance of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush – and the legacies of the Windrush generation. This event is in partnership with the Caribbean Social Forum, the Migration Museum and other local partners. 

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Movement on the Map: Tai Chi Qigong

4 July at 1pm and 1.45pm | Free 

Come and practise Tai Chi Qigong on the new Ocean Map. The 30-minute sessions will mindfully explore the interconnectedness of our watery world through flowing movements. 

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Image courtesy of the artists

Ocean Songs

11 July at 7pm and 8.30pm | £10 

Get ready for an evening of live music performed by ensemble Blue Machine. Bringing together intricately layered electronics with live strings, wind and vocals, this performance celebrates the natural wonders and mythology of the ocean. 

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Photography by Jack Thomson

Rhythm!

12 July from 11am-5pm | Free 

Go with the flow at our vibrant dance festival, inspired by the ocean and movement. Dive (or jive) into dance workshops and discover how the ocean connects us through craft sessions and games. 

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Martin Brown

Ready Steady Sail!

19 and 20 July at 10.30am, 12pm, 1.45pm and 3.15pm | Free

Join us for a creative art adventure and an interactive performance as you craft and sail a ship across our new Ocean Map! The 30-minute sessions have been created in partnership with A Line Art and pre-booking is recommended.

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Ocean: above and below

Daily from 23 July – 31 August (except Mondays) | Free 

This summer holiday, embark on an ocean adventure through storytelling, workshops and interactive fun. Are you ready to make a splash? 

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International Slavery Remembrance Day

23 August from 11am-5pm | Free 

Explore the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition.