The Royal Observatory Greenwich will close its doors from Monday, November 2, as part of a £77 million transformation project, with the site not reopening until summer 2027. Visitors who wish to stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the Prime Meridian have until early November to do so, as the landmark undergoes its most significant renovation in decades.
Closure Details and Timeline
The Peter Harrison Planetarium has already shut since September, but the Prime Meridian line, Meridian Observatory, and Flamstead House galleries have remained accessible until now. The full site closure will begin on November 2, with some shorter-term closures affecting early evening opening hours in the run-up to that date.
The project, titled The First Light, is timed to coincide with the Observatory’s 350th birthday. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the renovation aims to address the site’s historic but challenging layout, which includes narrow routes and steep gradients that have made navigation difficult for visitors.
What the £77 Million Transformation Includes
Plans for the renovation include a new elevated walkway across the garden, linking the north and south sections of the site. This will be accompanied by landscaped, step-free paths and a new access tower with a lift, finally allowing visitors to reach the Great Equatorial Telescope, which has previously been inaccessible to many.
An exhibition space for new heritage displays is also planned, along with a more obvious main entrance. The entrance pavilion has been designed by Jamie Fobert Architects, who are known for their work on cultural projects.
“The Royal Observatory has long been a place of curiosity, meticulous observation and creative thinking. This encapsulates the spirit of the project,” said Paddy Rodgers, chief executive of Royal Museums Greenwich, when the wider plans were first announced.
Alternative Attractions During Closure
While the Observatory is closed, other Royal Museums Greenwich sites nearby will remain open as usual. These include the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Queen’s House, offering visitors alternative options for exploring Greenwich’s maritime and royal history.
The £77 million investment is expected to significantly improve accessibility and visitor experience, ensuring the historic site remains a key attraction for decades to come. The project is part of a broader effort to modernise the Observatory while preserving its heritage, with the new facilities designed to accommodate a wider range of visitors.
