National Maritime Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich

Experience the world's largest maritime museum, filled with inspirational stories of discovery and adventure at sea. Explore our vast collection and enjoy free wifi in the comfort of the Compass Lounge. Hear the personal stories of our island nation in Voyagers. Steer a ship into port and fire a cannon at a dastardly pirate ship in the Children's gallery.

The National Maritime Museum was formally established by Act of Parliament in 1934 and opened to the public by King George VI on 27 April 1937.

The Museum has the most important holdings in the world on the history of Britain at sea, including maritime art (both British and 17th-century Dutch), cartography, manuscripts including official public records, ship models and plans, scientific and navigational instruments, time-keeping and astronomy (based at the Observatory), and in many other categories.

Other venues

The Queen's House, Royal Museums Greenwich

Romney Road, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom

Royal Observatory Greenwich, Royal Museums Greenwich

Blackheath Avenue, London, United Kingdom

Cutty Sark Clipper Ship, Royal Museums Greenwich

King William Walk, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom

Exhibitions and events

Nelson, Navy, Nation: The story of the Royal Navy and the British people, 1688–1815

Permanent exhibition

From bustling dockyards to ferocious sea battles, the gallery brings to life the tumultuous 18th century, exploring how the Royal Navy shaped everyday lives as it became a central part of society and...

The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire

Permanent exhibition

This gallery is about the movement of people, goods and ideas across and around the Atlantic Ocean from the 17th century to the 19th century. The connections created by these movements changed the...

Voyagers: Britons and the Sea

Permanent exhibition

Set in the heart of the new Sammy Ofer Wing, Voyagers tells the story of Britain and the sea, illustrating the contemporary significance of maritime histories and the personal stories of our island...

Traders: the East India Company and Asia

Permanent exhibition

Traders: the East India Company and Asia is a permanent gallery exploring Britain’s maritime trade with Asia, focusing on the role played by the East India Company. For over 250 years, the East...

Nelson's Ship in a Bottle

Permanent exhibition

We are delighted to announce that thanks to the generosity of many individuals, the fundraising appeal to buy Yinka Shonibare, MBE’s sculpture Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle for the National Maritime...

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Educational programs

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Collections

National Maritime Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich

65360 objects