Essential Information
| Type | Exhibitions |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Date and Times | 29 March 2025 – 4 January 2026 |
| Prices | On sale from 2 January |
| Members get early access. 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.
Recommended for ages 10+
Watch out for Pirates
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Frontispiece from the 1886 illustrated edition of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
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Illustration showing the classic 'Jolly Roger' pirate flag design of the skull and crossbones
Taken from 'The Blackwall Frigates' by Basil Lubbock, published by James Brown & Son, Glasgow, 1922
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Detail from an illustration of the pirate Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach
Taken from 'A General History of the Pyrates' by Captain Charles Johnson
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The Pirates of Penzance
A poster of Director Mike Leigh’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance at the English National Opera from 9 May to 27 June 2015, designed by Toby Leigh.
© Toby Leigh
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Ransom demands from Chinese pirates
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A proclamation for the more effectual reducing and suppressing of pirates and privateers in America
Plan your visit
How to book
Pirates will be available to book online from 2 January 2025. If you're a Royal Museums Greenwich Member, you can get early access and book from 31 December 2024.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What’s On
Find more exhibitions at Royal Museums Greenwich.
