The Painted Hall Greenwich
Old Royal Naval College
View on Google MapsPhoto: Chris Chanson
About The Painted Hall Greenwich
Marvel at Britain's Sistine Chapel where baroque ceiling paintings span 40,000 square feet of stunning 18th-century artistry at this historic Greenwich landmark with full accessibility and onsite refreshments.
What's nearby
- Naval College Gardens next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Stunning! If you were debating if to go or not - just go. The pictures and videos don't give all beauty of the place. I joined one of the 30min tours and I can say Mr Vincent was one of the best tour guides I had. Ever. Tour was filled with interesting information and witty, humours comments of our guide.
· via Google
I will say that this hall has some beautiful pieces of artwork in an amazing hall architecture. I loved the placement of mirrors so you can admire the ceiling artwork without having to constantly strain your neck. Another unique way to take in the beauty above you, is to lie down on the couches placed under the main chamber ceiling painting. You can certainly examine every part of this art in the most comfortable way imaginable hahaha. The are a few drawbacks to the Painted Hall - price and location. This hall is located well out of downtown London. There are other things to see in the area, so be sure to visit them as well when out to the East side of London. There are so many museums in London that are free to visit. The price to see this one hall seems very steep when you consider what a family can view at no cost. I'm sure this is not helping out when people decide which art to see. If in the area, this is an interesting place to take in if you need a nice filler to the day. Thanks.
· via Google
A magnificent spectacle of ornately painted ceilings and walls in the Baroque style, rich with detail and imagery. The Painted Hall designed by Sir James Thornhill, and painted over almost 20 years during the early 1700s. It was originally intended to be a dining room for pensioners living at the Royal Hospital, but proved popular as a tourist attraction, which it remains today. Adult tickets cost £17.50 at the time of our visit, which wasn't cheap but also included access to Skittle Alley. Onsite facilities include a gift shop and toilets. There's more than enough in the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site to occupy a full day, making it one of London's most interesting areas. There's paid parking in Greenwich Park, the Docklands Light Railway station at Greenwich is within a 20 minute walk, and the Thames Clipper services serve nearby Greenwich Pier.
· via Google
The Main Flex: You walk into this massive room, and every single inch of the walls and ceiling is covered in these crazy-detailed Baroque paintings. It took the artist, Sir James Thornhill, 19 years to finish—talk about a long-term project. The Horizontal View: The best part? You don't have to ruin your neck looking up. They have these daybeds and benches specifically so you can lie flat on your back and just stare at the 200+ characters (kings, queens, and mythological creatures) floating above you. Spot the "Propaganda": It’s essentially a giant Georgian PR campaign. Look for King William III stepping on a defeated French king, or the artist's own little "Easter eggs" hidden in the corners. More Than Just a Hall: Your ticket also gets you into the Victorian Skittle Alley (12 pm – 3 pm daily), which is like 19th-century bowling with wooden pins. Movie Star Vibes: If it feels familiar, it’s because it’s the top filming location in the UK. It’s been in everything from Bridgerton to James Bond. The Bonus: If you buy a ticket (£17.50), you can convert it into an Annual Pass for free on your way out. It’s a great hack if you want to come back for their Silent Discos or Murder Mystery nights.
· via Google
Visitors say this destination features breathtaking Baroque paintings covering the ceilings and walls, with comfortable benches and daybeds for viewing. They also highlight the knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides, who provide engaging historical insights. Guests mention the option to convert tickets into an annual pass and the £5 entry on the first Sunday of each month.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- College Way, London, SE10 9NN Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (749 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Suggested visit
- 2-3 hours
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- London