Sign up to our mailing list

We are glad you're enjoying our site, please sign up to our mailing list to receive the latest news and events listing.

Celebrating Wren 300

The genius of Sir Christopher Wren spans the centuries. Painted by Canaletto in 1751, the Old Royal Naval College is little altered and remains a monument to Wren’s vision and skill.

2023 marks three hundred years since the death of Sir Christopher Wren, one of Great Britain’s most famed architects and the chief architect of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, amongst other iconic buildings across London and the UK.

Wren’s influence spans the centuries, from the world-famous St Paul’s Cathedral to centres of learning in Greenwich, Oxford and Cambridge, churches and palaces fit for a king. Alongside his many talents for architecture, he was also a keen astronomer, physicist, mathematician, and anatomist.

To commemorate Wren’s extraordinary legacy, some of his most famous buildings and associated institutions will be hosting fascinating events and activities throughout the year.

Click on the link to find out about Wren events across London and beyond.

Here is a quick fly-through of some of the sites involved.


Joint tickets

In celebration of Wren 300, we have partnered with St Paul’s Cathedral, the Square Mile Wren Churches and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to offer a discounted ticket of up to 30% that gives you the opportunity to visit these glorious sites and catch the boat in between. The viewpoint from the river is an added bonus.

Head to the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers website to book this special joint trip.

Celebrating Wren 300

Wren 300 Events

2023 will be a year dedicated to Sir Christopher Wren. We will be hosting a variety of events including a unique photographic exhibition, interactive family activities and scavenger hunts, commemorative Chapel concerts, and specialised tours exploring the life and career of Sir Christopher Wren.

Find out more

Who was Christopher Wren?

As well as being one of England’s most acclaimed architects, he was something of a polymath, with professions including anatomist, astronomer, mathematician and physicist.

Find out more

Wren's vision for the Royal Hospital

Sir Christopher Wren needed all his experience and skill when he worked on the Royal Hospital for Seamen. Not only did he have to incorporate the existing King’s House into his own design, but he also had to meet Mary II’s request for a river view from the Queen’s House.

Find out more

Foundation of the Royal Hospital

Queen Mary, daughter of James II, had an interest – like her father – in the navy and particularly with the welfare of sailors. It was her idea to build an institution to house old and infirm sailors, in the same way as Chelsea Hospital did with soldiers.

Find out more