Until summer 2025, there is a new visitor route at the National Maritime Museum while we carry out essential improvements to the Museum's roof. Most galleries will still be open as normal, and special exhibitions are currently free for all visitors. However, the Great Map and AHOY! will be closed for the duration of the works. Find out more.
At a glance
Tickets and prices
The National Maritime Museum is free to visit. We recommend booking tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and receive updates before you visit, but you can also turn up on the day.
As well as our free galleries, we also host a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Additional charges may apply.
Members enjoy free and fast-track access to all our sites, although we strongly recommend booking ahead for limited capacity events.
Getting here
The National Maritime Museum is a quick, easy journey from central London via train, DLR and bus.
There is a secure car park at the National Maritime Museum which is open to visitors during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays. Spaces can be reserved in advance when booking tickets.
Check our travel pages for more information about getting to the National Maritime Museum as well as other Royal Museums Greenwich sites.
Opening times
The National Maritime Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.
The Caird Library and Archive is normally open Tuesday-Friday from 10am-4.45pm, but please check the Library pages for more information.
Opening times for The Cove playground outside the Museum vary depending on the time of year - see The Cove page for more details.
Eat and drink
The Parkside Café is a bright and airy space at the National Maritime Museum with expansive views of Greenwich Royal Park. There is plenty of seating, both indoor and outdoor. Grab a hot or cold drink, and a selection of sandwiches and cakes - perfect for a picnic in the park.
Maps and floor plans
The Museum site plan also shows where the National Maritime Museum is located in relation to Greenwich, the Cutty Sark, the Queen's House and the Royal Observatory.
Accessibility and facilities
Find out useful information about facilities at the National Maritime Museum including cloakrooms, baby change and accessibility, and information for disabled visitors coming to any of our sites.
Closures in 2024
Essential improvements to the glass roof glazing of the National Maritime Museum are taking place from 11 March 2024 until Summer 2025. The Museum will still be open every day, but there are some things visitors need to be aware of.
- The main entrance to the Museum will be via the Parkside Entrance on King William Walk, next to the 'Ship in a Bottle' sculpture.
- The central court, Great Map and galleries beneath the glass roof will be closed during roof renovations. A recommended visitor route will help guide you round the Museum's galleries and exhibitions. Check all gallery closures here.
- Special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum will be free in 2024 while works are taking place.
Visitor regulations
To ensure the enjoyment, wellbeing and safety of visitors, volunteers and staff, we ask that all visitors abide by our regulations.
Guides to the Museum
What’s On
See all events and exhibitions coming up at the National Maritime Museum.
Explore all the galleries
See what you can discover for free at the National Maritime Museum.
Polar Worlds
Science, exploration and life in extreme environments - visit the Polar Worlds gallery at the National Maritime Museum
Pacific Encounters
Discover the histories and cultures of the world's largest ocean – visit the Pacific Encounters gallery at the National Maritime Museum
Sea Things gallery
Explore the sea through personal stories from the deep
Tudor and Stuart Seafarers Gallery
From debt to fortune: discover the emergence of a maritime nation at the National Maritime Museum
Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery
Explore the life of Horatio Nelson, and follow the story of the Royal Navy and Britain from 1688-1815
Forgotten Fighters Gallery
Explore the hidden histories of the soldiers who fought at sea
Traders: the East India Company & Asia
Explore Britain’s trade and connections with Asia – visit the Traders gallery at the National Maritime Museum
Atlantic Worlds gallery
Exploitation, enslavement, war and resistance - follow the unequal, sometimes brutal histories of the Atlantic Ocean at the National Maritime Museum
The Cove playground
Climb, play and explore at The Cove, a fabulous sea-themed playground at the National Maritime Museum
All Hands children's gallery
Steer a ship, fire a cannon and explore life at sea in this interactive gallery for children aged 6-12
Gallery guide to the National Maritime Museum
Travel the world in the National Maritime Museum's free galleries, exploring everywhere from the icy Arctic to the islands of the Pacific
Schools, groups and commercial visits
Tailored information to help you plan your National Maritime Museum experience.
School sessions
See our schools offer at the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre
Group visits
We welcome group visits of any size to the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House.
Venue hire
Combining modern and neoclassical design, the National Maritime Museum is our largest space available for corporate and private events
Filming and photography
Find exceptional commercial film and photography opportunities in stunning Maritime Greenwich
Contact us
Get in touch with Royal Museums Greenwich
Become a Member
Enjoy free unlimited entry to exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory and Peter Harrison Planetarium
Choose your tickets
See all tickets and offers available at the National Maritime Museum.
National Maritime Museum
- Guaranteed entry time
- Access to all free galleries and activities
- Special exhibitions free in 2024
| Free entry |
|---|
| Book online |
Special exhibition
Astronomy Photographer of the Year
- The world's greatest space photography
- Over 100 images on display
- Entry to National Maritime Museum included
Currently free
Family fun
AHOY Gallery
- Soft play
- Maritime fun
- Guaranteed entry time
- Museum entry included
- Suitable for all children under 7
| Term time weekdays | FREE |
|---|---|
| Weekends & holidays | £3 |
Member tickets
- Unlimited free entry
- Priority booking and exclusive events
- Access using your membership card
| Membership card number required |
|---|
Become a Member
- Unlimited entry all year
- Royal Observatory
- Cutty Sark
- Planetarium Shows
- Special exhibitions
| Direct Debit | One-off |
|---|---|
| Individual: £50 | Individual: £60 |
| Family: from £60 | Family: from £70 |