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About
The Painted Hall is a true masterpiece, boasting one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe. The extraordinary ceiling and wall decorations were conceived and executed by British artist Sir James Thornhill.
The epic painting scheme, known as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’ took nineteen years from the start of the commission to its completion in 1726. By turns extravagant, playful, thoughtful, naïve and politically shrewd, Thornhill’s scheme earned him a knighthood and payment of £6,685.
The grandeur of Thornhill's composition, which covers 40,000 square feet, reflects the importance of the new Royal Hospital’s main Hall. Originally intended as a grand dining room for the naval pensioners, it soon became a ceremonial space open to paying visitors and reserved for special functions. Perhaps the most significant of which was the lying-in-state of Lord Nelson in January 1806, drawing large crowds to view the hero’s body. The exact spot where the coffin lay is marked by a plaque on the floor.
For a hundred years from 1824 the Hall was given over to the first National Gallery of Naval Art, before becoming home to the Royal Naval College in 1869 after the last Greenwich Pensioners left the site. From 1937 to 1997 the Painted Hall functioned as a dining space for trainee officers of the Royal Navy.
In 2019, after an £8.5m restoration project to clean and conserve the magnificent 17th Century paintings, the Painted Hall was reopened to the public.
Guided Talks [Daily]
Join one of the expert guides as they introduce you to the cast of over 200 fascinating characters assembled on the Painted Hall ceiling. Discover more about the rich history and compelling stories behind Sir James Thornhill’s masterpiece, which took 19 years to complete.
Guided Talks depart at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm*, departing from the Painted Hall vestibule.
* Included in your general admission ticket, subject to change, please ask a member of staff what tours are available on the day.
Book Tickets
Events
Friday, 25th April 2025 - Friday, 25th April 2025
Friday, 30th May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025
Feel Good Friday: Yoga in the Painted HallTake part in one of our bespoke morning yoga classes in the serene and spectacular surroundings of the Painted Hall.- more info
Saturday, 3rd May 2025 - Saturday, 3rd May 2025
Mozart Grand PartitaAn extraordinary evening of music in the Painted Hall.- more info
Saturday, 31st May 2025 - Saturday, 31st May 2025
Murder Mystery ExperienceUncover secrets and solve a murder mystery in the Painted Hall. A thrilling after-hours detective game in a historic setting.- more info
Friday, 20th June 2025 - Friday, 20th June 2025
Saturday, 27th September 2025 - Saturday, 27th September 2025
Silent Disco in the Painted HallExperience a silent disco like no other, and dance the night away as Painted Hall as it is transformed into a luminous dance floor where art, music, and atmosphere combine for an unforgettable night.- more info
Friday, 4th July 2025 - Saturday, 5th July 2025
Lie Down and Listen: The Lark AscendsSoar high above the clouds with a blissful Tibetan bowls sound healing experience accompanied by live classical piano and violin music.- more info
Facilities
Accessibility
- Assistance dogs welcome
- British Sign Language
- Disabled access
- Disabled toilets
- Ear defenders available
- Facilities for hearing impaired
- Facilities for visually impaired
- Video/virtual tours
- Wheelchairs available - Manual wheelchairs are available to hire from the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre open 10am–5pm. These are allocated on a first come, first served basis. There is a deposit of £50 which is refunded when the wheelchair is returned. For further information please call 020 830 55235 or email tic@visitgreenwich.org.uk.
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
- Currency Exchange - Available at the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre, open 10am–5pm. For further information please call 020 830 55235 or email tic@visitgreenwich.org.uk.
Catering
- On-site catering
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Coach parking - If you are travelling by coach, there is a coach drop off point in Stockwell Street (SE10 9JN) which is a 10 minute walk to the grounds. There is free coach parking on Norman Road (SE10) and Charlton Way (SE3) or paid coach parking on Park Row/Romney Road (SE10 9NL).
- Drop Off Point - If you are travelling by coach, there is a coach drop off point in Stockwell Street (SE10 9JN) which is a 10 minute walk to the grounds. There is free coach parking on Norman Road (SE10) and Charlton Way (SE3) or paid coach parking on Park Row/Romney Road (SE10 9NL).
- Guided tours for groups
Languages
- French signs/guides
- German signs/guides
- Italian signs/guides
- Spanish signs/guides
Parking
- Parking with charge - Please note that there is limited parking in Greenwich, particularly at weekends and we encourage you to use public transport if possible. Paid car parking is available in Park Row (SE10 9NL) and Cutty Sark Gardens.
Property Facilities
- Gift shop
- Onsite Catering
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
- WiFi or internet access - Free WiFi is available at the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre.
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
- Hen/Stag Dos Welcome
TripAdvisor
Video
- Discover the Painted Hall, a baroque masterpiece, steeped in 500 years of rich British history
