National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is a maritime museum in Greenwich, England, with several exhibition halls housed in a large classical building. The rooms display over two million objects related to seafaring, spread across different floors and galleries.

The building opened in 1937 following an act of parliament, intended to preserve and present British naval heritage. Large donations from a Scottish businessman enabled the construction and the first acquisitions for the collection.

The name reflects the nation's long relationship with the sea, while the displays show how shipping and exploration shaped coastal life. Visitors today see instruments sailors once used to navigate, along with paintings of ships and captains.

Entry to the permanent displays is free, while special exhibitions usually require a ticket and can be booked online in advance. The building opens daily in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with visitors typically spending two to three hours exploring.

The library here is the largest maritime reference collection in the world, holding one hundred thousand volumes, some from the fifteenth century. Researchers and visitors can view old maps, logbooks, and manuscripts by appointment.

Location: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Inception: 1937

Official opening: 1937

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: No

Operator: Royal Museums Greenwich

Part of: Royal Museums Greenwich

Address: Romney Road, London SE10 9NF

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00

Phone: +442088584422

Website: https://rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum

GPS coordinates: 51.48110,-0.00556

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:09