The Painted Hall Description

Former Home to the Palace of Placentia and birthplace of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, the story of Greenwich starts here. Glimpse the foundations of this former royal home where new renovations to the grounds allow visitors to see parts of the palace’s foundations.

Tour Sir Christopher Wren’s landmark buildings, designed in 1692 as a home for returning seamen. Explore its magnificent exterior, wander its atmospheric grounds and courtyards, hear the stories of the people who made this place their home, plus discover the exquisite 18th century Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, the famous Water Gates and the Victorian Skittle Alley.

Tickets include a multimedia guide to the Painted Hall and access to the new Sackler Gallery, where you can discover how Thornhill created the Painted Hall and meet many characters including gods and heroes, shown on the ceiling.

Alongside accessible exhibits exploring the Painted Hall’s creation, you can get up close and personal with hands-on treasure chests, filled with exquisite touch objects inspired by the Painted Hall. Try on King William’s Crown and clock, dare yourself to stare into Medusa’s face on Athena’s shield, or hold up King Louis XIV’s broken sword.

Photo credits:

Nikhilesh Haval

Alys Tomlinson

Samuel Whittaker

James Brittain

ORNC

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The Painted Hall Photos & Videos

The Painted Hall - Booking Information

Please exchange your printed out voucher upon arrival at the Painted Hall.
Closed on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December
Grounds
Free to visit and open daily to all, the grounds are a perfect place to relax, stroll, or have a picnic, surrounded by some of the finest buildings in the world. The extensive gardens follow the mid-19th century designs of Phillip Hardwick.
Picnics
If you have brought your own packed lunch or want to eat food from The Old Brewery, Painted Hall Café or Greenwich Market outdoors, why not sit on the lawn of the Old Royal Naval College and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. All we ask is that you help us to keep our grounds tidy and throw away your litter into the designated bins.
Painted Hall Café
Enjoy a wide selection of freshly prepared seasonal salads, sandwiches and daily hot and cold specials. Delicious cakes and a selection of specialty teas are available throughout the day, alongside a range of wine and beers. All served in the grandeur of the newly restored and beautifully designed Undercroft, underneath the Painted Hall.
Photography
Photography on the site for personal use only is free of charge, though the use of tri-pods, lighting etc. are not allowed.
Disabled Access
The Old Royal Naval College welcomes visitors with disabilities, their families, friends and carers.
The capacity of the lift from College Way into the main body of the Painted Hall is one wheelchair user and one companion OR four people standing. Lift Specification: weight limit 881lbs/400kg.

The Painted Hall - Event Information

Age recommendation: Children are aged 16 and under are FREE
Voucher exchange instructions: Please exchange your printed out voucher upon arrival at the Painted Hall.
Opening hours: Old Royal Naval College: 10am – 5pm DailyGrounds: 8am – 11pm Daily