Ticketed

Essential information

Type
Talks and tours
Location
Date and times Tuesday 21 October 2025 | 6.45pm

Member Exclusive. Not a Member? Join now

2025 marks the 250th anniversary of J.M.W. Turner’s birth. In celebration of this prolific and innovative artist, Royal Museums Greenwich will unveil a new display of his largest artwork The Battle of Trafalgar at the Queen’s House.

This three-metre-wide canvas depicting the decisive victory of the British Royal Navy was commissioned by George IV for display at St James's Palace. At its first unveiling it received a mixed reception and has since been the subject of some debate and controversy. Is it Turner’s biggest failure or an unfairly maligned masterpiece?

Join us on Trafalgar Day to hear from art curator Katherine Gazzard on the history and symbolism contained within this awe-inspiring naval scene, as well as the story behind its commissioning, reception and journey to Greenwich.

Members are also invited to a private viewing of the painting in its new display before the lecture from 6.15pm. 

Not already a Member?

Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

With Membership starting from as little as £65, what are you waiting for? Membership is your time to explore!

What’s on

See more Member events at Royal Museums Greenwich.

Family fun | Member events

Members' craft workshop

Join us for exclusive craft workshops, just for Members
Saturday 28 March and Saturday 9 May 2026 | 11am-1pm and 2-4pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Experiences | Member events

Members' Shows: Unboxing the Universe

Join us for exclusive performances of Unboxing the Universe, just for Members
Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April 2026 | 11.30am
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Flamsteed lecture: Enceladus, an active world

Join this Flamsteed lecture with Dr Rachael Hamp
Monday 13 April 2026 | 7.15pm
Flamsteed Members: FREE | Guests of Flamsteed Members: £15 | Royal Museums Greenwich Members: £12
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' treasures tours

Explore the treasures of the National Maritime Museum with one of our expert guides
Tuesday 14 April and Sunday 17 May 2026 | 11am
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members' lecture: Wilful murder? – the sinking of the Lusitania

Join author and historian Diana Preston as she relates the final fatal voyage of the Cunard liner, Lusitania
Thursday 16 April 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Flamsteed Astronomy Society: History of Astronomy

Join the Flamsteed Astronomy Society for their monthly History of Astronomy lecture
Tuesday 21 April 2026 | Doors open at 6.30pm, event starts at 7pm
Flamsteed Members: FREE | Guests of Flamsteed Members: £15 | Royal Museums Greenwich Members: £12
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Niki Gorick: In Conversation

Photographer Niki Gorick talks to curator Louise Macfarlane about her work and inspiration
Tuesday 12 May | 6.30pm-8.30pm
Free for Members
Cutty Sark