See great art in Greenwich

If you’re in search of artistic inspiration, add Greenwich to the top of your list. 

From world-class museums and artworks to installations and architectural wonders, the Royal Borough pulses with culture and creativity. 

Here, we round up just some of the top things to see and do.

Begin your creative day out with a free visit to the Queen’s House.  

The Queen's House was designed by architect Inigo Jones in the 17th century and is England's first Classical building. With its graceful exterior, elegant interiors and world class art collection, it’s a haven for culture lovers.

A range of more than 450 artworks are on display, including pieces by Canaletto, Gainsborough, L.S. Lowry and Alberta Whittle. Highlights include The 'Armada Portrait' of Elizabeth I, the Solebay Tapestry and Ship of Fools by the contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley.

It’s hard not to be awed by the House’s architectural details too. Take time to admire the white Bardiglio (Italian) and black Belgian marble floor of the Great Hall, laid in the 1630s under the direction of King Charles I’s Master Mason Nicholas Stone.  

The Tulip Stairs meanwhile are a masterpiece of architectural design: the earliest centrally unsupported spiral stairway in England. They take their name from the delicate flower pattern in the banisters. 

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Greenwich Park’s rolling parkland, tree-lined avenues and evolving architectural backdrop have inspired countless creatives. For the ultimate Greenwich experience, head to the viewing platform in front of the Royal Observatory for panoramic scenes of the London skyline.  

A fusion of architectural styles, the vista takes in the sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, including the cubic building of the Queen’s House, the twin domes of the Old Royal Naval College – designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren – and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf across the river.

For an alternative view of the Park, head the historic viewpoint of One Tree Hill, a beloved spot for visitors in the 18th and 19th centuries. This location inspired several artists including J.M.W. Turner.

This painting created by Dutch artist Johannes Vorsterman depicts One Tree Hill in around 1680. The Royal Observatory can be seen to the left of the work, while an avenue of trees draws the eye to the Queen’s House and the remains of Greenwich Palace. This Tudor residence was the birthplace of monarchs including King Henry VIII, Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I. 

A trip to Greenwich wouldn't be complete without a visit to the National Maritime Museum, which tells stories of seafaring and exploration from the icy Polar regions to the Pacific Islands.

The Museum is also home to a range of pioneering art. Look out for Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle by Yinka Shonibare CBE, located outside the Museum’s entrance. Once inside, seek out works by George Stubbs, including the first depiction of a kangaroo and a dingo in Western art, and take in stained-glass installations and large-scale naval paintings.  

Portraits of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, shipwright Jamsetjee Bomanjee Wadia and naval commissioner Peter Pett are some of the other highlights to see. 

Throughout 2024 the National Maritime Museum is also hosting Women of the RNLI, a free exhibition celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea. At the heart of the exhibition is the photography of Jack Lowe, an artist who for almost a decade has been documenting the crews and views of every RNLI lifeboat station. His evocative images, captured using Victorian glass-plate technology, allow visitors to see the modern work of the RNLI through an historic lens.

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Greenwich Market is an essential stop for any art lover in Greenwich.

The market is home to an array of stalls and galleries selling artworks, crafts, prints and jewellery. Greenwich Printmakers and the Ben Oakley art gallery are right inside, while antiques shops and Clarendon Fine Art Greenwich can be found on Nelson Road just outside. Get ready for some serious art hunting.

Did you know that Greenwich’s outdoor spaces are home to contemporary art installations and sculptures? After visiting Greenwich Market, stroll past Cutty Sark and turn right to join the Thames Path. 

Soak up the views of the Canary Wharf business district as you make your way to Greenwich Peninsula. 

After all your cultural adventures, return to Greenwich in style by taking the riverboat back to Greenwich Pier and Cutty Sark.