Recommended for ages 10+

Essential Information

Type Exhibitions
Location
National Maritime Museum
Date and Times 29 March 2025 – 4 January 2026
Prices Tickets on sale soon

Discount for Members. Not a member? Join now

Heroic rascals or violent criminals? Discover the truth behind pirate life in a major new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.

Pirates, opening in Greenwich in March 2025, traces the changing depictions of pirates through the ages and reveals the brutal reality behind the fiction.

The exhibition explores the perception of piracy in popular culture from comical characters like Captain Pugwash and Captain Hook to anti-heroes like Long John Silver and Captain Jack Sparrow  and examines why the idea of a pirate’s life still fascinates us today.

While often portrayed as swashbuckling scoundrels, the real history of pirates is far more complex. 

Pirates follows the global history of piracy from the South China Sea to the coast of North Africa, and explores the issues of modern piracy facing seafarers today. The exhibition illuminates real-life figures, including Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach, William Kidd, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and reflects on how perceptions of pirates, both past and present, are shifting.

Sign up to our newsletter to hear more about the exhibition and get ready to set sail for Greenwich in 2025.

Recommended for ages 10+

Watch out for Pirates

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Plan your visit

How to book

Pirates will be available to book online in early 2025. To hear when tickets go on sale, sign up to our newsletter.

Visiting the National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is a short walk from the centre of Greenwich, with regular DLR, rail, bus and river services available.

Pirates is located in the Special Exhibitions gallery, close to the Greenwich Park entrance to the Museum.

Please note that until Summer 2025 parts of the National Maritime Museum will be closed while we carry out improvements to the Museum's roof. The exhibition space however will remain open throughout.

Plan your visit

Is Pirates suitable for children?

Pirates explores the myths surrounding pirates as well as accounts of both historic and contemporary piracy. The exhibition includes dramatic effects and themes of violence, and is therefore recommended for visitors aged 10 and over.

Younger children are still welcome in the exhibition space, but we advise parents and carers to be mindful of the subjects raised.

Accessibility

Find useful information about facilities and access at the National Maritime Museum, including guidance for disabled visitors coming to any of our sites.

Find out more

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.

Find out more

Make the most of your visit

The National Maritime Museum is a treasure trove of objects, stories and memories connected with the sea.

After visiting the exhibition, explore the Museum's permanent galleries using one of the dedicated audio guides, or join one of the daily tours led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides.

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Explore the myth, discover the truth: get ready for a major new exhibition coming to the National Maritime Museum in 2025
29 March 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets on sale soon
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