Summer at the Old Royal Naval College

Get your art and culture fix with us this summer, with exciting events including the return of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), an exhibition with AR animations from children’s illustrator Nick Ellwood, picnics in the vast riverside grounds, and much more.

We are delighted to reopen our indoor spaces from 17 May with an exhibition of drawings from renowned children’s illustrator Nick Ellwood: 500 Years of Mischief and Mayhem in Greenwich. Ellwood’s charming illustrations bring to life historical and mythological characters, and visitors of all ages will love the augmented reality animations, and learning about the figures of the Painted Hall through his artworks. Alongside the exhibition, which runs until 31 October, there will be a series of free art and craft workshops for children throughout August.

UK artist Luke Jerram’s jaw-dropping sculpture Gaia will return to be displayed in the Painted Hall from 30 May – 1 July. This awe-inspiring scale replica of Earth is made using NASA imagery, with accompanying music by composer Dan Jones.

The Handlebards are cycling into the Old Royal Naval College on 26 June with Macbeth. This troupe of cycling Shakespearean actors carry all their set, props and costumes on their bikes, perform energetic, charmingly chaotic and environmentally sustainable shows across the UK, and bring to life the great Shakespearean tragedy in their trademark style.

The popular London Makers’ Market will be in the grounds on the first weekend of each month from May to December (except August), as well as 22 and 23 May, to celebrate our full reopening. The London Makers’ Market brings together a broad collection of talented, eco-conscious and independent designers. Throughout the summer, we will also be welcoming a series of pop-up food and drink markets which will support new and local artisans, creatives, and independent shops with an eco-friendly ethos.

Don’t miss The Luna Cinema, which will return for its outdoor film screenings from 6 – 11 July, with hit films including Pretty Woman, The Greatest Showman and Knives Out.

You can pre-book weekend Summer Picnics from the Painted Hall Café, with options including Picnic Baskets and Afternoon Tea. Enjoy your food al fresco in the wide outdoor spaces of the grounds all summer – you can purchase a picnic blanket from one of our shops. In June, diners can enjoy an intimate pop-up restaurant in the King William Undercroft with exclusive out-of-hours access to view the Painted Hall and the spectacular Gaia after dinner.