Whilst the Old Royal Naval College remains open, beautiful and thriving, maintaining it is no easy task. We look after 17 acres of historic buildings, galleries and green space across this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Preserving heritage takes many different forms. We’ve recently restored Samuel Green’s 18th-century organ, brought wartime heroes and heroines’ history to life though the stories of WRNS officers like Nina Wilkin and continually protect Sir James Thornhill’s world-renowned Baroque masterpiece in the Painted Hall.
Your support is more important than ever. Please make a donation today to ensure that we can continue this urgent work. If you’re able to donate £300 or more, we’d love to thank you in person at a special event in these magnificent surroundings.
Preserving Every Stitch
Our holdings include a valuable collection of uniforms and other belongings from the Royal Naval College era of our history (1873-1997). Many of these items were donated by former officers or their families and remain a tangible link to the stories and lives of those who served here, including Nina Wilkin (pictured).
A £10 donation could purchase the brushes, magnifying headsets or other specialist equipment needed when caring for our growing collections.
Conserving a masterpiece
The Painted Hall is known as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’. Painted by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726, it forms one of the greatest Baroque interiors in Europe. Nearly 300 years on, we honour his work with daily tours and daily care; monitoring the UV light, temperature and humidity to ensure conditions stay just right.
A £20 donation could help preserve the delicate atmosphere inside the Painted Hall, protecting this Baroque masterpiece.
Welcoming the next generation of explorers to Greenwich
Each year, we welcome more and more young people to discover the Old Royal Naval College. Last year, over 6,000 children visited our site, many of whom are from state schools or schools for pupils with additional educational needs.
A £50 donation could support the growth of our learning programme, so that more school pupils can learn about the rich history of our site.
Donate today
Each year, we spend around £4 million keeping this space open, beautiful and thriving. Donations provide us with vital support to help preserve, protect, and interpret our site for the future.
Other ways to support us
Leave a legacy
Please consider leaving a gift to the Old Royal Naval College in your will.
Find out moreBecome a Patron
Our generous Patrons provide invaluable support to our conservation and education projects.
Find out moreVolunteer
Volunteers are an essential part of our team, working with all departments in both front-of-house and office-based roles.
Find out more