Old Royal Naval College 2026
London’s Old Royal Naval College celebrates 300 years of the Painted Hall with a landmark year of culture.
In 2026, the Old Royal Naval College marks a monumental cultural moment of 300 years since the completion of the Painted Hall, the jewel of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s greatest Baroque interiors. Across the year, audiences can expect new curated wellbeing events, special tours and moments of wonder and reflection inside and around what’s recognised as UK’s Sistine Chapel.
The Painted Hall’s anniversary year begins with a last chance to experience Peter Walker’s art installations Connection and Identity. Walker’s dramatic and modern reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam presents casts of two women’s hands, while eight illuminated columns, evoking DNA structures, hang in the Painted Hall.
The Painted Hall will also once again provide the perfect setting for romantics on Valentine’s Day with the return of their in demand and much-loved luxury fine dining experience set beneath the celestial ceiling.
As the UK’s number one heritage filming location, the Old Royal Naval College will continue to champion film and TV culture following their celebration of 100 Years of film with new film masterclasses available and film tours.
The Old Royal Naval College deepens its commitment to wellbeing with a major new partnership with the London House of Wellbeing. A full-day retreat across the site’s most atmospheric spaces will launch in September 2026, carefully curated to provide a restorative and accessible experience.
2026 sees an exciting new collaboration, with partner Tea and Crafting which brings new Arts & Crafts workshops to the Old Royal Naval College. Visitors can also experience a spectacular spring weekend back in time with the Old Royal Naval College’s new Tudor Takeover. As well as looking back and bringing history to present day, music and family activities also remain a core part of the programme across 2026. From concerts and Silent Disco lates in the Painted Hall to live performances and recitals in the Chapel, the site celebrates the orchestral and contemporary for all listeners, along with refreshed family experiences throughout the year.
Summer promises to be an unmissable programme of activity for all the family. Now in its fourth year, the return of the annual Greenwich Dog Show invites pups, pooches and their owners to put their best paw forwards.
Autumn sees the return of renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker, with his breathtaking installation Peace Doves in the Painted Hall. Walker will also return with an outstanding installation from Luxmuralis in November, marking the start of the winter season with immersive light and sound experiences.
2026 offers an exceptional year of culture and heritage at the Old Royal Naval College, uniting art, architecture, wellbeing, film, music and family experiences within one of the UK’s most extraordinary historic sites.
Location: Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NN
For more information visit the website: Old Royal Naval College