The gardens occupy the site of the former 17th-century royal palace grounds designed by Inigo Jones.
The area includes the Queen's House, the first classical building constructed in England.
The landscaping aligns with the Greenwich Meridian axis, connecting the museum directly to the Royal Observatory above.
The site acts as a flood relief zone and sustainable drainage feature for the museum complex.
The National Maritime Museum Gardens occupy a historic landscape nestled between the Queen's House and the primary museum galleries in Greenwich. These grounds serve as the outdoor extension of the Royal Museums Greenwich site, bridging the architecture of the 17th-century Queen's House with the 19th-century maritime buildings. The site features expansive green lawns, paved courtyards, and direct views toward the Canary Wharf skyline across the river. It functions as a public thoroughfare and a green space for museum visitors, frequently hosting large-scale outdoor events and installations. The gardens are integrated into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Maritime Greenwich, maintaining a formal layout that reflects the naval history of the surrounding complex. The area provides access to the museum's rear entrances and serves as a transition point to Greenwich Park.
The center of the lawn facing the Queen's House with the museum gallery in the background.
Combine your walk through the gardens with a visit to the adjacent Queen's House, which offers free entry.
Bring a picnic during summer months as the lawns are specifically designated for public relaxation and recreation.
Walk to the edge of the gardens closest to the Thames to capture the contrast between historic architecture and modern skyscraper silhouettes.
Do not mistake the private grass areas occasionally roped off for events for general public seating.
Open daily; occasionally closed in sections for private events or seasonal outdoor festivals.
Respect the historic lawns; keep paths clear during busy event periods.
