National Maritime Museum

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The National Maritime Museum (NMM) in Greenwich, London, is Britain’s leading museum about the country’s sea history. It is part of Royal Museums Greenwich and sits in the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.

History and purpose
The museum was created by the National Maritime Museum Act of 1934 and opened by King George VI on 27 April 1937. It was funded mainly by donations from Sir James Caird. Greenwich has long been tied to navigation and science, with the Royal Observatory nearby helping to measure longitude and establish Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian.

What’s inside
The museum holds more than two million items showing Britain’s maritime past. Highlights include maritime art, maps and manuscripts, ship models and plans, navigational and timekeeping instruments, and paintings of famous figures such as Nelson and Cook. The collection travels around the UK and abroad through loans for exhibitions.

Admission and access
There is no general admission fee to the museum, but many temporary exhibitions charge for entry. The museum is a major part of the Royal Museums Greenwich group and welcomes visitors from around the world.

Galleries and recent work
The main galleries were redeveloped around Neptune Court, which was later renamed Ocean Court after a major refurbishment completed in 2025. In 2018, a new gallery received a £20 million donation from Israeli shipping magnate Sammy Ofer.

Associated sites and programs
Nearby, the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre in Kidbrooke opened in 2018. It stores about 70,000 items and is open to the public only on limited pre-booked guided tours.

Awards and controversies
The Caird Medal, established in 1984, is awarded each year to individuals who have made important contributions to the museum’s field. The collection includes some items regarded as war trophies or looted art, taken after World War II under Potsdam agreements.

Public impact
The museum attracts millions of visitors each year and hosts changing exhibitions that explore Britain’s economic, cultural, social and maritime history and its global influence.