The National Maritime Museum (NMM) is a maritime museum in Greenwich, London. It is part of Royal Museums Greenwich, a network of museums in the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Like other publicly funded national museums in the United Kingdom, it has no general admission charge; there are admission charges for most side-gallery temporary exhibitions, usually supplemented by many loaned works from other museums.
The museum was created by the National Maritime Museum Act 1934 under a Board of Trustees, appointed by HM Treasury. It is based on the generous donations of Sir James Caird (1864–1954). King George VI formally opened the museum on 27 April 1937 when his daughter Princess Elizabeth accompanied him for the journey along the Thames from London. The first director was Sir Geoffrey Callender.
This is really a fantastic place! And close to the observatory so you can enjoy it for a long time. Full of multimedia posts and historical objects that belonged to ancient ships and boats. The usual problem of parking here in London but otherwise it is worth a visit! Even children have a lot to have fun! Pì approved.
Giuseppe Di DomenicoFeb 10, 2018
Too much on the Royal Navy and not enough on the Merchant Marine. Could have been laid out better eh with arrows guiding you round in chronological order. Very little about shipping over the last hundred years and such things as wireless communication. I am writing from the perspective of a retired Merchant Marine Radio Officer.
Den CFeb 13, 2018
Wonderful place with a lot of knowledge, interactive attractions and very detailed replicas guiding us through the history of navigation. Rooms are separated by themes like commercial ships, war ships and others. All of this attached to the beauties of Greenwich Park and free entrance. You will also find a cafe and a gift shop if you want to take a time.
Andre MattiuzziJan 2, 2018
This is a great place to visit particularly if you have kids - it's very child friendly. It's the sort of place you can drop into at any time for a quick visit and find something you haven't spotted before. We visited the Franklin Expedition Exhibition this time which was amazing and well worth a visit but be quick as it ends on 07/01/2018. We only stopped for coffee on this occasion but I can highly recommend the restaurant - there is plenty of choice and it's quite reasonably priced. My husband fancied the look of the Sunday roast lunch which was about £15. If you're ever at Greenwich definitely drop in.
Carin CoombeNov 22, 2017
Fantastic space. We visited on a rainy winter's day, and took part in a arts and craft session in the learning space. It was the highlight of the day for my youngest, who took the opportunity to make her mother a Christmas card. It was also a lovely shared memory that we will both have. Thanks you!
John WilsonDec 17, 2017
One of my favorite museums in London with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them their. I really wanted to take pictures of the play ground, but unfortunately it wasn't allowed.
Selbi GuchgeldiyevaApr 4, 2018
An authentic trove of British glory and naval supremacy. The adjectives that serve the museum justice simply don't exist; a visit here is one thing everyone ought to do: science, technology, identity, military, politics, engineering, aesthetics, it's all here. I plan to revisit soon.
Simon CochraneMar 11, 2018
a bit better and breathtaking than the royal observatory for various kinds of ships and marine history, might be a personal preference but the maritime museum really is more creative about positioning and placing exhibition items than the royal observatory. And souvenirs and gift shop is also better many aspects. Coffee shop is also bigger and have more choices for desserts. The thing i would like to complain is that there should be more engagement zone for people of every age not just kids zone. Like a real and bigger ship simulator not just a room that shows models of the ship.
Pol.sciblue Pol.sciblueMay 3, 2018
I've been visiting for over 40 years now...I always manage to find something new & interesting every visit. Highly recommended day out what ever the weather. Great café with good food. Stunning architecture & wealth of history! 😊
Mutinta Bailey-HoggMay 3, 2018
Volunteers less wonderful yours. We took one that lasted 30 minutes and shared so many interesting details regarding the objects in the first floor. I learned much more than I ever would just reading the placards. Tours start by the back entrance nearest the observatory which seems a bit weird. But we made it in time from the front entrance.
Elise MooreMay 1, 2018
On the pro side, it must be a great place to bring young kids: it has the activity corners, and enough space for running around. However, for adult visitors, especially with some background in history, the museum does not exactly live up to expectations. The exhibitions around the world wars could have been made much more interesting really.
Anastasia AnApr 24, 2018
A family favourite for us. Kids really enjoy the Ahoy play area, great world map to run around on, and lots of interesting maritime collections to see. On a good day the back of the museum are Greenwich park grounds which include a small pond of paddling boats and a playground. Maritime museum also has baby changing facilities and a buggy park near Ahoy play area, lots of cafes to sit and pace a visit.
Shoma kMay 14, 2018
Free museum. Great place to learn about the sea such as trades, war, speed competition, etc. For families, it's great museum. There is Ahoy gallery for under 8. It's relatively new and it's amazing. Teaching children about ship and life at sea. There is also a great map which occupies the first floor. Very cool to learn about the map. Little children can run around. Bigger children can borrow one of the interactive tablets to go on around the world voyage.
Ariestia SurbaktiJun 1, 2018
This is a marvellous museum in every way. Well laid out and accessible by all. Some very rare memorabilia. As a seafarer in the military I was amazed at the exhibits they hold relating to Lord Nelson, including the tunic he wore at the time he was felled at the Battle of Trafalgar. But, even if you don't have a special interest, this museum tells, in a straightforward and interesting way, the history of Britain and the sea.
GaijinMay 21, 2018
One of my favorite museums in London with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them there. I really wanted to take pictures of the play ground, but unfortunately it wasn't allowed.
Selbi GuchgeldiyevaMay 28, 2018
Very interesting museum. Lots of maritime items including a great selection of ancient figure heads of all sizes, shapes and colors. Touching historical items from the battle of Trafalgar and unique me morabilia from the great admiral Horatio Nelson. Great fun for children. They are able to play games with cannons and other things including a giant map of the world on the floor.
Francesco BarillaJun 26, 2018
I thought we'd pop in for a quick peek, but it's an interactive museum that kept my kids entertained for more than a few hours. It's free and it's fun. Well worth a visit.
Family Travel ExploreJul 4, 2018
Apart from the special exhibitions, it's free to enter and so much to see. A nice little cafe is here too, and there is a lot to engage both adults and children alike. Very good Information is provided as well. Well worth the visit.
John JonesAug 11, 2018
A great and under visited museum. Amazing exhibit focus on Nelson and another on save routes. Map area very cool. It’s free. Trip there on Thames plus Greenwich market and the park make for a great day out.
David ClarkJul 14, 2018
A good place for holidays with kids.... There is a play area and cafe inside. Also a large world map... Kids enjoy searching different countries. The play area is also good in maritime theme with dressing up room to fish mongers and yes a cooking place.... There is also a treasure room.. Kids enjoyed a lot.
Bharathi SenguntharJul 28, 2018
Fantastic place to visit for any fan of naval history. Excellent value for money, especially if you buy a ticket that gets you into all the attractions - will definitely be going back to look at what I didn’t have time to see. It is worth it for the Victory alone. Great place for families or interested individuals alike.
Finn HartwellAug 2, 2018
This is really a fantastic place! And close to the observatory so you can enjoy it for a long time. Full of multimedia posts and historical objects that belonged to ancient ships and boats. The usual problem of parking here in London but otherwise it is worth a visit! Even children have a lot to have fun! Pì approved.
Giuseppe Di DomenicoFeb 10, 2018
Too much on the Royal Navy and not enough on the Merchant Marine. Could have been laid out better eh with arrows guiding you round in chronological order. Very little about shipping over the last hundred years and such things as wireless communication. I am writing from the perspective of a retired Merchant Marine Radio Officer.
Den CFeb 13, 2018
Wonderful place with a lot of knowledge, interactive attractions and very detailed replicas guiding us through the history of navigation. Rooms are separated by themes like commercial ships, war ships and others. All of this attached to the beauties of Greenwich Park and free entrance. You will also find a cafe and a gift shop if you want to take a time.
Andre MattiuzziJan 2, 2018
This is a great place to visit particularly if you have kids - it's very child friendly. It's the sort of place you can drop into at any time for a quick visit and find something you haven't spotted before. We visited the Franklin Expedition Exhibition this time which was amazing and well worth a visit but be quick as it ends on 07/01/2018. We only stopped for coffee on this occasion but I can highly recommend the restaurant - there is plenty of choice and it's quite reasonably priced. My husband fancied the look of the Sunday roast lunch which was about £15. If you're ever at Greenwich definitely drop in.
Carin CoombeNov 22, 2017
Fantastic space. We visited on a rainy winter's day, and took part in a arts and craft session in the learning space. It was the highlight of the day for my youngest, who took the opportunity to make her mother a Christmas card. It was also a lovely shared memory that we will both have. Thanks you!
John WilsonDec 17, 2017
One of my favorite museums in London with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them their. I really wanted to take pictures of the play ground, but unfortunately it wasn't allowed.
Selbi GuchgeldiyevaApr 4, 2018
An authentic trove of British glory and naval supremacy. The adjectives that serve the museum justice simply don't exist; a visit here is one thing everyone ought to do: science, technology, identity, military, politics, engineering, aesthetics, it's all here. I plan to revisit soon.
Simon CochraneMar 11, 2018
a bit better and breathtaking than the royal observatory for various kinds of ships and marine history, might be a personal preference but the maritime museum really is more creative about positioning and placing exhibition items than the royal observatory. And souvenirs and gift shop is also better many aspects. Coffee shop is also bigger and have more choices for desserts. The thing i would like to complain is that there should be more engagement zone for people of every age not just kids zone. Like a real and bigger ship simulator not just a room that shows models of the ship.
Pol.sciblue Pol.sciblueMay 3, 2018
I've been visiting for over 40 years now...I always manage to find something new & interesting every visit. Highly recommended day out what ever the weather. Great café with good food. Stunning architecture & wealth of history! 😊
Mutinta Bailey-HoggMay 3, 2018
Volunteers less wonderful yours. We took one that lasted 30 minutes and shared so many interesting details regarding the objects in the first floor. I learned much more than I ever would just reading the placards. Tours start by the back entrance nearest the observatory which seems a bit weird. But we made it in time from the front entrance.
Elise MooreMay 1, 2018
On the pro side, it must be a great place to bring young kids: it has the activity corners, and enough space for running around. However, for adult visitors, especially with some background in history, the museum does not exactly live up to expectations. The exhibitions around the world wars could have been made much more interesting really.
Anastasia AnApr 24, 2018
A family favourite for us. Kids really enjoy the Ahoy play area, great world map to run around on, and lots of interesting maritime collections to see. On a good day the back of the museum are Greenwich park grounds which include a small pond of paddling boats and a playground. Maritime museum also has baby changing facilities and a buggy park near Ahoy play area, lots of cafes to sit and pace a visit.
Shoma kMay 14, 2018
Free museum. Great place to learn about the sea such as trades, war, speed competition, etc. For families, it's great museum. There is Ahoy gallery for under 8. It's relatively new and it's amazing. Teaching children about ship and life at sea. There is also a great map which occupies the first floor. Very cool to learn about the map. Little children can run around. Bigger children can borrow one of the interactive tablets to go on around the world voyage.
Ariestia SurbaktiJun 1, 2018
This is a marvellous museum in every way. Well laid out and accessible by all. Some very rare memorabilia. As a seafarer in the military I was amazed at the exhibits they hold relating to Lord Nelson, including the tunic he wore at the time he was felled at the Battle of Trafalgar. But, even if you don't have a special interest, this museum tells, in a straightforward and interesting way, the history of Britain and the sea.
GaijinMay 21, 2018
One of my favorite museums in London with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them there. I really wanted to take pictures of the play ground, but unfortunately it wasn't allowed.
Selbi GuchgeldiyevaMay 28, 2018
Very interesting museum. Lots of maritime items including a great selection of ancient figure heads of all sizes, shapes and colors. Touching historical items from the battle of Trafalgar and unique me morabilia from the great admiral Horatio Nelson. Great fun for children. They are able to play games with cannons and other things including a giant map of the world on the floor.
Francesco BarillaJun 26, 2018
I thought we'd pop in for a quick peek, but it's an interactive museum that kept my kids entertained for more than a few hours. It's free and it's fun. Well worth a visit.
Family Travel ExploreJul 4, 2018
Apart from the special exhibitions, it's free to enter and so much to see. A nice little cafe is here too, and there is a lot to engage both adults and children alike. Very good Information is provided as well. Well worth the visit.
John JonesAug 11, 2018
A great and under visited museum. Amazing exhibit focus on Nelson and another on save routes. Map area very cool. It’s free. Trip there on Thames plus Greenwich market and the park make for a great day out.
David ClarkJul 14, 2018
A good place for holidays with kids.... There is a play area and cafe inside. Also a large world map... Kids enjoy searching different countries. The play area is also good in maritime theme with dressing up room to fish mongers and yes a cooking place.... There is also a treasure room.. Kids enjoyed a lot.
Bharathi SenguntharJul 28, 2018
Fantastic place to visit for any fan of naval history. Excellent value for money, especially if you buy a ticket that gets you into all the attractions - will definitely be going back to look at what I didn’t have time to see. It is worth it for the Victory alone. Great place for families or interested individuals alike.
Finn HartwellAug 2, 2018
This is really a fantastic place! And close to the observatory so you can enjoy it for a long time. Full of multimedia posts and historical objects that belonged to ancient ships and boats. The usual problem of parking here in London but otherwise it is worth a visit! Even children have a lot to have fun! Pì approved.
Giuseppe Di DomenicoFeb 10, 2018
Too much on the Royal Navy and not enough on the Merchant Marine. Could have been laid out better eh with arrows guiding you round in chronological order. Very little about shipping over the last hundred years and such things as wireless communication. I am writing from the perspective of a retired Merchant Marine Radio Officer.
Den CFeb 13, 2018
Wonderful place with a lot of knowledge, interactive attractions and very detailed replicas guiding us through the history of navigation. Rooms are separated by themes like commercial ships, war ships and others. All of this attached to the beauties of Greenwich Park and free entrance. You will also find a cafe and a gift shop if you want to take a time.
Andre MattiuzziJan 2, 2018
This is a great place to visit particularly if you have kids - it's very child friendly. It's the sort of place you can drop into at any time for a quick visit and find something you haven't spotted before. We visited the Franklin Expedition Exhibition this time which was amazing and well worth a visit but be quick as it ends on 07/01/2018. We only stopped for coffee on this occasion but I can highly recommend the restaurant - there is plenty of choice and it's quite reasonably priced. My husband fancied the look of the Sunday roast lunch which was about £15. If you're ever at Greenwich definitely drop in.
Carin CoombeNov 22, 2017
Fantastic space. We visited on a rainy winter's day, and took part in a arts and craft session in the learning space. It was the highlight of the day for my youngest, who took the opportunity to make her mother a Christmas card. It was also a lovely shared memory that we will both have. Thanks you!
John WilsonDec 17, 2017
One of my favorite museums in London with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them their. I really wanted to take pictures of the play ground, but unfortunately it wasn't allowed.
Selbi GuchgeldiyevaApr 4, 2018
An authentic trove of British glory and naval supremacy. The adjectives that serve the museum justice simply don't exist; a visit here is one thing everyone ought to do: science, technology, identity, military, politics, engineering, aesthetics, it's all here. I plan to revisit soon.
Simon CochraneMar 11, 2018
a bit better and breathtaking than the royal observatory for various kinds of ships and marine history, might be a personal preference but the maritime museum really is more creative about positioning and placing exhibition items than the royal observatory. And souvenirs and gift shop is also better many aspects. Coffee shop is also bigger and have more choices for desserts. The thing i would like to complain is that there should be more engagement zone for people of every age not just kids zone. Like a real and bigger ship simulator not just a room that shows models of the ship.
Pol.sciblue Pol.sciblueMay 3, 2018
I've been visiting for over 40 years now...I always manage to find something new & interesting every visit. Highly recommended day out what ever the weather. Great café with good food. Stunning architecture & wealth of history! 😊
Mutinta Bailey-HoggMay 3, 2018
Volunteers less wonderful yours. We took one that lasted 30 minutes and shared so many interesting details regarding the objects in the first floor. I learned much more than I ever would just reading the placards. Tours start by the back entrance nearest the observatory which seems a bit weird. But we made it in time from the front entrance.
Elise MooreMay 1, 2018
On the pro side, it must be a great place to bring young kids: it has the activity corners, and enough space for running around. However, for adult visitors, especially with some background in history, the museum does not exactly live up to expectations. The exhibitions around the world wars could have been made much more interesting really.
Anastasia AnApr 24, 2018
A family favourite for us. Kids really enjoy the Ahoy play area, great world map to run around on, and lots of interesting maritime collections to see. On a good day the back of the museum are Greenwich park grounds which include a small pond of paddling boats and a playground. Maritime museum also has baby changing facilities and a buggy park near Ahoy play area, lots of cafes to sit and pace a visit.
Shoma kMay 14, 2018
Free museum. Great place to learn about the sea such as trades, war, speed competition, etc. For families, it's great museum. There is Ahoy gallery for under 8. It's relatively new and it's amazing. Teaching children about ship and life at sea. There is also a great map which occupies the first floor. Very cool to learn about the map. Little children can run around. Bigger children can borrow one of the interactive tablets to go on around the world voyage.
Ariestia SurbaktiJun 1, 2018
This is a marvellous museum in every way. Well laid out and accessible by all. Some very rare memorabilia. As a seafarer in the military I was amazed at the exhibits they hold relating to Lord Nelson, including the tunic he wore at the time he was felled at the Battle of Trafalgar. But, even if you don't have a special interest, this museum tells, in a straightforward and interesting way, the history of Britain and the sea.
GaijinMay 21, 2018
One of my favorite museums in London with brilliant play ground for kind. I often visit it as my two years old sister loves it. Highly recommend everyone who have kids to take them there. I really wanted to take pictures of the play ground, but unfortunately it wasn't allowed.
Selbi GuchgeldiyevaMay 28, 2018
Very interesting museum. Lots of maritime items including a great selection of ancient figure heads of all sizes, shapes and colors. Touching historical items from the battle of Trafalgar and unique me morabilia from the great admiral Horatio Nelson. Great fun for children. They are able to play games with cannons and other things including a giant map of the world on the floor.
Francesco BarillaJun 26, 2018
I thought we'd pop in for a quick peek, but it's an interactive museum that kept my kids entertained for more than a few hours. It's free and it's fun. Well worth a visit.
Family Travel ExploreJul 4, 2018
Apart from the special exhibitions, it's free to enter and so much to see. A nice little cafe is here too, and there is a lot to engage both adults and children alike. Very good Information is provided as well. Well worth the visit.
John JonesAug 11, 2018
A great and under visited museum. Amazing exhibit focus on Nelson and another on save routes. Map area very cool. It’s free. Trip there on Thames plus Greenwich market and the park make for a great day out.
David ClarkJul 14, 2018
A good place for holidays with kids.... There is a play area and cafe inside. Also a large world map... Kids enjoy searching different countries. The play area is also good in maritime theme with dressing up room to fish mongers and yes a cooking place.... There is also a treasure room.. Kids enjoyed a lot.
Bharathi SenguntharJul 28, 2018
Fantastic place to visit for any fan of naval history. Excellent value for money, especially if you buy a ticket that gets you into all the attractions - will definitely be going back to look at what I didn’t have time to see. It is worth it for the Victory alone. Great place for families or interested individuals alike.
Finn HartwellAug 2, 2018
Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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