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The Greenwich Time Ball and one time for all
How do you know that your watch, clock or phone is telling exactly the right time? At one time, the only way was to look to the roof of the Observatory.
A history of the Royal Observatory
Find out more about the founding of the Royal Observatory, and how Greenwich came to be known as the 'Home of Time'
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Christopher Wren
Best known for designing St. Paul's Cathedral, Christopher Wren's two loves of astronomy and architecture were combined when he worked on the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Visitor highlight
Altazimuth Pavilion
See the beautiful Altazimuth Pavilion, home of the Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope
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Royal portraits in Royal Museums Greenwich’s collection
Come face to face with Kings and Queens, and discover 500 years of royal portraits at the Queen's House in Greenwich
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Observatory Unlocked
Drop by and chat with our Royal Observatory Explainers as they bring science and astronomy to life
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Christopher Wren's Octagon Room
The beautiful Octagon Room at Flamsteed House is the oldest part of the Royal Observatory
Visitor highlight
John Harrison's marine timekeepers
Revolutionary timepieces that allowed ships to determine their longitude at sea
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Space and astronomy highlights in 2025
What's worth looking up for in 2025? Discover this year's must-see moments with Royal Observatory astronomers
An art lover's guide to the Queen’s House
Royal portraits, seascapes and cutting-edge sculptures are just some of the masterpieces to see