Essential Information
| Type | Talks and tours |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and Times | Thursday 13 November 2025 | 7-8.30pm |
| Prices | Adult: £20, Student: £15, Members: £10 |
| Discount for Members. Not a member? Join now |
Delve deeper into our collection of more than 2.5 million objects on our specialist tours and talks series, led by one of our expert curators, researchers or conservators.
The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre is home to Royal Museums Greenwich's stored collections and state-of-the-art conservation studios. Since the development of our new collections centre in 2018, we are able to share our hidden treasures with the public, and showcase the skills and expertise of our conservation and storage teams.
Our specialist tours and talks will be centred around a different theme or topic each time – find out more about the talks on offer below.
Event programme
The Life of Robert FitzRoy - Father of the Shipping Forecast
Thursday 13 November 2025, 7pm-8.30pm
Join us at The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre for an evening tour with Tim May, Curator of Maps and Mobilities, to explore the life and legacy of captain, governor and weatherman Robert FitzRoy, through some fascinating collection objects.
The Shipping Forecast is a beloved and enduring British institution which has greatly improved maritime safety. In celebration of its 100-year anniversary, we look to its 19th century brainchild, Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy.
Beyond this meteorological legacy, FitzRoy was captain of HMS Beagle, and governor of New Zealand. The tour will unpack this complex figure, from his strained relationship with Charles Darwin to his pioneering of weather forecasting.
Book tickets (select 13 November using the calendar)
Plan your visit
Where will the tours take place?
This tour will be held at The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, our state of the art conservation and collection centre in Kidbrooke.
Getting here
The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre is a quick, easy journey from central London by rail or via local bus services.
Address: The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, Nelson Mandela Road, Kidbrooke, SE3 9QS
By train: You can reach us from central London via direct routes by Cannon Street London Bridge, Charing Cross and Victoria. Our nearest station is Kidbrooke which is only 5 minute walk away.
By bus: The following buses stop near the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre: 178, B16, 286, 132
By car: There is limited parking space in our car park but we will prioritise parking for visitors with disabilities. Please pre-book, otherwise we cannot guarantee a place. E-mail: ppmcc@rmg.co.uk
What’s On
Find more events at the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre.
Visit the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
The state-of-the-art conservation studio and storage centre