There is something for everyone this autumn at the iconic Old Royal Naval College. Visitors to the London landmark can enjoy a fascinating exhibition, incredible art installation, a haunting Halloween show, Diwali and Open House.
Space is on everyone’s radar at the moment, with the first new moon landings planned since 1972, new Mars missions underway and recently revealed breathtaking images from NASA. There’s no better time for artist Luke Jerram to return to the Old Royal Naval College, this time with his work The Museum of the Moon. From 12th December – 5th February, Jerram’s awe-inspiring The Museum of the Moon will be displayed in the magnificent Painted Hall. Visitors to this magical setting can experience the seven metre, to-scale Moon, created using NASA imagery, as it hangs in the Baroque hall. The imagery features minute detail of the lunar surface, taking the viewer right round to the dark side of the moon. The installation features a surround sound composition by BAFTA-winning composer Dan Jones for a stunning and profound art-meets-nature experience. There will be a programme of Lates, music, dining and activities alongside The Museum of the Moon.
A thrilling theatrical evening of dark comedy and suspense awaits audiences in 1797: The Mariner’s Revenge, 13th October – 12th November, written by Mark Knightley and directed by Briony O’Callaghan. Premiering this Halloween, this haunting theatrical experience will take place in the never-before-seen attics of the historic Admiral’s House. Audiences can follow this promenade show through the dark rooms – as Nelson dines below after the Battle of Tenerife, 1797, upstairs a lone, injured mariner is taken on a menacing journey by an eerie and mercurial albatross. The Old Royal Naval College is collaborating with HistoryRiot and Tram Shed on this site-specific show, which will include relaxed performances with BSL interpretation every week.
Blood and Battle: Dissecting the Life of William Beatty (5th November 2022 – 25th March 2023) delves into physician William Beatty’s work alongside displays of 19th century tools of the trade. The fascinating, immersive – and sometimes grisly – new exhibition at the Old Royal Naval College explores this exceptional surgeon’s occasionally bloody practice, how he saved so many people, and his account of the tragic death of Lord Nelson. This year marks 200 years since William Beatty took up the post as Greenwich Hospital’s Physician, now the Old Royal Naval College, having served alongside Vide Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar, performing life-saving surgeries at sea in the midst of battle.
This Diwali, celebrate a joyful evening at the Old Royal Naval College. Following a day of Diwali celebrations at the Maritime Museum, visitors are invited to the grounds and buildings of the Old Royal Naval College for an evening of incredible lights, food, music and dancing on 22nd October.
This September, explore rarely seen areas of the Old Royal Naval College as part of Open House London. On 17th and 18th September, visitors can roam the halls of Admiral’s House, designed for Charles II, find out about Grand Square at the heart of the site during drop-in talks, and have the rare opportunity to visit the Undercroft of the Queen Anne Building, a survival from the early 17th Century, and the only remaining intact room from Greenwich Palace. There will be talks about and access to other areas of the site all weekend.
