The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College Dates and Times
More Information about The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College
Tours start in the Visitor Centre (opposite Greenwich Pier). The Visitor Centre houses a museum of artefacts, hands-on displays, curiosities, costumes and film footage, offering you a fascinating overview of the long history of this site.
The tour tells the story of the estate’s 500 years of history: from a manor house in 1420’s, rebuilt as Greenwich Palace for Henry VII and the birthplace of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I; to the commissioning of Sir Christopher Wren in 1694 by Royal warrant for the design of a Royal Hospital for Seamen; then in 1873 becoming the Royal Naval College. As the tour progresses, popular film locations will be pointed out. Films include: The Crown, Les Miserables, Thor: The Dark World, Cruella, Bridgerton and many more. For more behind the scenes film insights – book a Film Tour.
Explore the extraordinary Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College. Featuring 40,000 sq. ft of mesmerising walls and ceilings painted by Sir James Thornhill over a period of 19 years.
With an audio guide throughout (in English, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese Mandarin, German and Japanese), learn about the epic ceiling painting which features 200 mythological, historical and contemporary figures. Painted Hall Talks - If you’re after a live guided tour of the Painted Hall, then join one of our regular 30-minute talks exploring the history and stories behind the characters in the painting.
After you’ve explored the Painted Hall, venture into the Nelson Room to see where the body of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson was taken to prepare him for lying-in-state following the Battle of Trafalgar. You’ll learn about Lord Nelson’s life, his connection to Greenwich, his role in the Battle of Trafalgar and more. The room itself is spectacular and has a unique architecture, stonework and marble flooring.
The site tour includes a guided tour of the exquisite Chapel of St Peter & St Paul. Regarded as one of the finest neo-classical interiors in existence, this is another must-see on your visit. Rebuilt after a terrible fire, the chapel features naval themes, a spectacular altarpiece and pulpit, and an impressive ceiling design of squares and octagons in light blue and cream.
Test your skills at one of the oldest remaining Victorian Skittle Alleys in the UK, which was originally built to entertain the Naval pensioners in1864.
Opening Times:
Entry Available: Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm) Entry to Grounds Available: Daily 8:00am – 11:00pm Location: The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London SE10 9NNPlanned closures:
Painted Hall will be closing early on the following dates: Tuesday 3 September 2024: Early 3pm Saturday 7 September 2024: Early 3.30pm Saturday14th September 2024: Late open at 2pm Sunday 22nd September 2024: Early close 1pm Thursday 12th December 2024: Early close 4pm Painted Hall will be close on the following dates: Monday 2 September 2024: Full day Sunday 8 to Friday 13 September 2024: Full day Monday 23 September 2024: Full day Friday 22 November 2024: Full day Tuesday 24 December to Thursday 26 December: Full close Wednesday 29 January 2025: Full dayHighlights
See the exquisite Baroque designs up close by British artists Sir James Thornhill.
Experience some of the finest architecture in the country.
Learn of the Painted Hall’s fascinating design and history with an audio guide.
Drop in on talks about the Painted Hall throughout the day for an extra special insight.
Inclusions
Entry to the Painted Hall
Public guided tours
Entry to the Victorian Skittle Alley
Audio guide available in 7 languages
Exclusions
Food and drink
Gratuities
