The Royal Observatory Greenwich will temporarily close all of its on-site buildings from November 2026 as part of a £77 million capital project to improve visitor access, upgrade exhibition rooms, and create additional space. The full site is scheduled to reopen in 2028, according to the museum's announcement.
First Light project details
The project, named First Light, will deliver a new contemporary entrance designed by Jamie Fobert Architects, in keeping with the UNESCO World Heritage site status. A new courtyard will also be constructed, offering a covered space for live science events, along with a roof terrace for live streaming celestial moments through the observatory's telescopes.
The first phase of the project began in November 2025 with the closure of the Peter Harrison Planetarium, Modern Astronomy Galleries, and the Victorian Altazimuth Pavilion. Work on this phase is expected to be completed by spring 2026. The full site closure begins on November 2, 2026.
What remains open until late 2026
Until the full closure, the Prime Meridian Line, Meridian Observatory, and Flamsteed House galleries will remain open to visitors. Some early evening closures will occur as a result of the project's construction schedule.
The Royal Observatory also plans to reopen the Meridian Courtyard in summer 2027, allowing visitors to continue taking the iconic photo with the Prime Meridian Line during the refurbishment period.
Other Greenwich sites remain open
While the observatory is closed, the museum's other Greenwich sites – the Cutty Sark, the Queen's House, and the National Maritime Museum – will remain open to the public.
Visitors can also experience 'Unboxing the Universe', a multi-sensory live science show that turns big space questions into exciting moments, at these venues.
