National Maritime Museum

Free to visit, the National Maritime Museum contains hundreds of pieces that tell various stories of exploration that have helped shape our world into the one we have today.

Visitor Information: National Maritime Museum

• National Maritime Museum

  Description

  The National Maritime Museum, located in Greenwich, London, is a must-see destination for anyone interested in maritime history and exploration. With over two million objects in its collection, the museum tells the story of Britain’s maritime past, from the early voyages of discovery to the present day.

  The museum is housed in a stunning building, originally a royal palace built in the early 18th century. The building has undergone extensive renovation in recent years, with the addition of new galleries and exhibits. One of the highlights of the museum is the Great Map, a 40-foot interactive map of the world’s oceans that visitors can walk on and explore.

  The museum’s galleries are divided into four main themes: Sea and Society, Polar Worlds, Pacific Encounters, and Tudor and Stuart Seafarers. Each gallery offers a fascinating insight into different aspects of maritime history and exploration.

  The Sea and Society gallery explores the impact of the sea on British society, from the role of the Royal Navy to the development of shipbuilding and trade. Visitors can see everything from naval uniforms and weapons to intricate ship models and navigational instruments.

  The Polar Worlds gallery tells the story of the exploration of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, with exhibits on famous explorers such as Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. Visitors can also see equipment and clothing used by polar explorers, as well as specimens of the wildlife that inhabit these extreme environments.

  In the Pacific Encounters gallery, visitors can learn about the exploration of the Pacific Ocean by European navigators and the impact this had on the indigenous cultures of the region. The gallery features artefacts from the voyages of Captain Cook, as well as items from Pacific Islander cultures.

  The Tudor and Stuart Seafarers gallery focuses on the maritime history of the 16th and 17th centuries, a time when England was establishing itself as a major seafaring nation. Visitors can see weapons, tools, and navigation equipment used by sailors during this period, as well as models of famous ships such as the Mary Rose.

  Other highlights of the museum include the Royal Observatory, which houses the famous Prime Meridian and provides stunning views over London, and the Cutty Sark, a beautifully restored clipper ship that is moored nearby.

  Overall, a visit to The National Maritime Museum is a fascinating and educational experience that is not to be missed. With so much to see and do, visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring the museum and its surroundings. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a unique and interesting day out, The National Maritime Museum is sure to delight and inspire.

• Highlights

  Not to be missed when visiting

  Turner’s Battle of Trafalgar: This painting by J.M.W. Turner, Britain’s most celebrated landscape painter, depicts the pivotal moment in the Battle of Trafalgar when Admiral Nelson was shot.

  Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle: Yinka Shonibare’s artwork is one of the most famous pieces in the museum. It is a scaled-down replica of Admiral Nelson’s ship, HMS Victory, inside a giant glass bottle.

  Atlantic Worlds Gallery: This gallery explores the history of North America from the 15th through the 19th centuries, focusing on the theme of exploration and encounter.

  The Great Map: A large interactive installation where visitors can discover the world’s sea-faring history.

  Maritime London Gallery: This exhibit showcases London’s history as a port city and its impact on world trade.

  Royal Navy: Tudors and Stuarts: Explore the age of maritime exploration with exhibits about famous figures like Sir Walter Raleigh and the Spanish Armada.

  Voyagers Gallery: A space that tells the personal stories of Britain’s rich maritime history.

  Polar Worlds Gallery: Here you can learn about the challenges of polar exploration and its impact on climate change research.

  The Ship Model Collection: One of the largest collections of model ships in the world, ranging from ancient times to the present day.

  The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre: Offers a deeper insight into the UK’s maritime history with over 2 million items from art, archives, library and object collections.