Painted Hall — Attraction in London

This is a must-see Virtual Tour of Wrens overlooked Masterpiece

Sir Christopher Wren's riverside masterpiece The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich was completed between 17O7 and 1726 by the artist Sir James Thornhill. It is one of the greatest decorative painted schemes in England. The Painted Hall and the other buildings of the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich were designed to be a public display of magnificence, reflecting the power and prestige of the Royal Navy. Explore the interiors of the Painted Hall. Explore the hall with our Virtual Tour tool.

VISITING THE PAINTED HALL

Experience 'Britain's Sistine. Chapel' and discover a truly extraordinary space. Multimedia guides (available in seven languages) are available included in your ticket price. Regular talks about the history and meaning of the Painted Hall take place throughout the day.

VISITING WITH CHILDREN

Children are welcome at the Painted Hall. Kids aged 16 or under go free (up to four children per paying adult). A free activity booklet is available as well Explorer Backpacks filled with sensory objects to borrow for little ones.

WHAT DO THE PAINTINGS MEAN?

Sir James Thornhill's epic painting draws on a cast of around 200 figures to tell an incredible story of political change, scientific and cultural achievements, naval endeavours and commercial enterprise all set against a series of magnificent backdrops. The characters allegorical, mythological, historical and contemporary. on a pivotal moment when the United Kingdom was created and became a dominant power. The central narrative focuses in Europe. The paintings celebrate Britain's political stability, commercial prosperity and naval power. It also depicts the Protestant accessions to the throne of King William III and Queen Mary II in 1688...

The Painted Hall is certainly a spectacular building and probably the number one thing to do if you’re in Greenwich (particularly if you’re short of time), though there are many historical and absolutely brilliant things to do & see in Greenwich, so don't write the others off!

The hall is a masterpiece of Baroque decoration. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren as a ceremonial dining room for what was then the new Royal Hospital for Sea men, it was painted by Sir James Thornhill over the course of 19 years, and completed in 1726.

The ceiling is full of detail, with elaborate painting techniques, with the central part of the main ceiling featuring almost 300 characters, and depicting the protestant rulers William and Mary (though both monarchs had already died by the time the ceiling was painted). The ceiling describes the turbulent times for monarchy and politics, and references maritime power in Britain.

The body of Admiral Horatio Nelson lay in state in the Painted Hall before he was taken for burial at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1806. It has also been used as a location for films and TV series, most recently featuring in The Crown (various seasons).

There are audio guides which are well worth purchasing with your ticket, but they also have free guided tours which take about 30 minutes (the admissions staff will advise if there is one starting). I didn’t do the audio guide, but the tour guide was very knowledgeable and spoke about key sections of the ceiling. I’d recommend doing the guided tour, and then the audio guide on top of that. There are padded benches down the middle of the room for you to lie down and stare up at the ceiling, as there’s a lot of...

Visiting the Painted Hall in Greenwich was an awe-inspiring experience. Often described as the 'Sistine Chapel of the UK', this masterpiece exceeded all expectations. As soon as I entered, I was captivated by the magnificent ceiling and wall paintings, which are the work of Sir James Thornhill. The intricate detail and vibrant colors of the artwork, depicting Britain's maritime power and historical figures, were simply breathtaking.

The use of light in the hall enhanced the beauty of the paintings, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere. It was fascinating to learn about the symbolism and history behind each brushstroke during the guided tour. The restoration work done to preserve these masterpieces is commendable, and it's incredible to see how the art has stood the test of time.

Beyond the artwork, the hall itself is a stunning piece of architecture with its grandeur and elegance. It's a place where art, history, and architecture intertwine beautifully. The visit was not just a visual feast but also an educational journey that left me feeling inspired and enriched. The Painted Hall is undoubtedly a national treasure and a must-visit for anyone appreciating art...