Are you in London and looking to discover the history behind one of the world’s most visited cities? Then look no further than the National Maritime Museum!
What are the most important historical sites in London?
The National Maritime Museum is part of Royal Museums Greenwich, which also includes the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and the Queen’s House, and is located inside the famous UNESCO Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
There are 14 separate galleries to see at the Museum. Learn about the controversy surrounding J. M. W. Turner’s biggest painting, get a detailed look at Admiral Nelson’s authentic uniform from the Battle of Trafalgar, and reflect on the complicated legacy of European discovery in the Pacific Encounters Gallery, giving you a fascinating insight into how it affected the Pacific as we know it today. In the Tudor and Stuart Seafarers Gallery, learn about the lives of everyday sailors, as well as famous figures like Christopher Columbus, Elizabeth I, and Francis Drake. The stories of brave explorers in the Polar Worlds Gallery show the most experienced explorers being pushed to the limits of human endurance.
Maritime Greenwich Royal Heritage
Did you know that the Old Royal Naval College, part of the Maritime Greenwich Heritage site, was originally the site of the 15th-century royal palace, Placentia, where some of England’s most significant royal figures were born? Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I, were all born at Placentia.
It was also at this UNESCO site that ground-breaking astronomy has been researched, making important contributions to global time-keeping and navigation, including ‘Greenwich Time!
The Royal Museum holds over 2 million items! Ranging from navigational items to films and photographs, and the largest maritime library in the world, Maritime Museum is a unique landmark for anyone to come. The museum is a fantastic place to bring the kids for a family day out, with plenty of action-packed adventures to be had: explore the interactive Sea Things Gallery, play in the All Hands Gallery, and search for Percy the penguin!
