National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
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National Maritime Museum - Katie Chan (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
The National Maritime Museum has 14 galleries focusing on British economic, political, and maritime history. As the home of the Prime Meridian since the end of the 19th century, the association with maritime navigation is very strong and the museum holds a wealth of items spanning paintings, cartography and various instruments (scientific, astronomy, navigation).
Access & Transport
Located to the Southeast of London, across the Thames from Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, Greenwich is served by the DLR (from Banks) via the Cutty Sark station and by train at the Greenwich and Maze Hill station (West - East). There are also several bus services to the village (including No 53 from Trafalgar Sq.) but the journey is likely to take longer. Finally, the river boat departing from Westminster Pier, Embankment Pier and Tower Pier stops at Greenwich Pier. The Museum itself is located between the waterfront / Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Park.
Instructions & Recommendations
The museum is publicly funded and therefore doesn't charge a fee for its general collection; however temporary exhibitions have an entrance fee. Although entry is free, it advisable to book a ticket ahead of time to avoid crowding and smooth out attendance volumes. We recommend combining a visit to the museum with a walk in the village and the Park up to the Observatory and the Prime Meridian sculpture. Ideally, you would also want to add a visit of the Cutty Sark and a lunch in a local pub or at the Greenwich market
Environmental & Social
Low environmental impact of running the museum. Social impact is slightly positive, helping to keep jobs and economic activity outside of the city centre.
Conclusion
We would recommend a visit to the museum to anyone with a keen interest in all things ships and maritime history and to those who have already decided to make a visit to Greenwich. Since the entrance is free, there is little downside anyways. In our opinion, there is plenty to see and learn.
Key positive
Great location in Greenwich
Free entrance to standard galleries (not exhibitions).
Huge amount of items on display
Key negative
Can get noisy on certain days (kids / school trips)
Not a theme that will engage everybody
Suitability
The museum is open to visitors of all ages and kids may find a few sections that interest them. All floors are accessible via a lift so it is friendly to wheelchair users.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday10:00 - 17:00
Thursday10:00 - 17:00
Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 17:00