Old Royal Naval College Museum

Address: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NN, United Kingdom

Website: https://ornc.org/

Hours: Grounds open daily; visitor attraction hours vary (Painted Hall typically 10:00-18:00)

Admission: Grounds and riverside are free to visit; Painted Hall and certain exhibitions at the Old Royal Naval College have entry charges (Painted Hall tickets ~£13-£15)

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is a baroque riverside complex on the south bank of the River Thames, dating to the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It is one of the principal buildings within Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The complex was built as the Royal Hospital for Seamen from the late 17th century, with major designs by Sir Christopher Wren and completed by his successors. It was later converted to the Royal Naval College in the 19th century and remained a naval training establishment until the late 20th century.

Situated in Greenwich in south-east London, the complex sits directly beside the River Thames and lies within the Greenwich World Heritage area, close to Greenwich Park and the Cutty Sark.

• Heritage status: Part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site and lies on the south bank of the River Thames in Greenwich, London.
• Painted Hall conservation: The Painted Hall underwent a major conservation and reopened to visitors in 2019 following a multi-year project.

What to See#

• Painted Hall: A large baroque interior painted between 1707 and 1726 by Sir James Thornhill, covering walls and ceilings of the former dining hall. The scheme was restored and conserved and is a major draw within the college complex.
• Chapel: The chapel forms part of the original hospital complex designed in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and retains much of its original plan and decorative scheme.
• Courtyards and riverfront: The twin-domed riverside courtyards and colonnades form the primary external features of the complex and frame views along the River Thames toward central London.

The site is a 10-15 minute walk from Greenwich station (rail and Docklands Light Railway) or from Cutty Sark DLR. Riverboat services also stop at Greenwich Pier. From central London take the DLR to Cutty Sark or a Thames riverboat.

• Visit early in the morning to take photos of the domes and riverside without tour groups.
• Book Painted Hall tickets in advance - its ceiling is a highlight and timed entries help avoid crowds.
• Combine with a walk through Greenwich Park and the National Maritime Museum for a full day.