Planning a trip to Greenwich? Please note that the Royal Observatory Greenwich is temporarily closed to visitors from 2 November 2026 as part of a major transformation project called First Light.
The project will introduce new astronomy galleries, improved accessibility, a new entrance pavilion and upgrades to the Observatory’s historic buildings and visitor spaces.
When will the Royal Observatory Greenwich reopen?
The closure will be temporary. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the famous Meridian Courtyard is expected to reopen in summer 2027, with tickets due to go on sale in January. The complete First Light transformation is scheduled to be finished by spring 2028.
We’ll update our website and Royal Observatory ticket availability as soon as visits can be booked again.
You can still visit Greenwich by boat
While the Royal Observatory Greenwich is temporarily closed, Greenwich remains one of the best areas of London to explore.
Take a Thames River Sightseeing cruise to Greenwich Pier and discover other famous Greenwich attractions, including Cutty Sark and the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.
You can book your river cruise, Cutty Sark tickets and Painted Hall tickets with Thames River Sightseeing, making it easy to plan your Greenwich day out in one place.
And if the Royal Observatory Greenwich is on your London wish list, there’s good news: the Meridian Courtyard is expected to reopen in summer 2027, while the complete First Light transformation is scheduled for spring 2028.
We’ll update our Royal Observatory ticket availability as soon as visits can be booked again.
