Royal Observatory Greenwich closes for £77m renovation

The south building at the Royal Observatory Greenwich will remain closed for the first phase of a three-year project, arguably its biggest renovation yet.

The scheme aims to reaffirm the Observatory as the UK’s centre for the public understanding of time and space.

View of the Equatorial elescope being lowered into the dome by crane (Image: Will Punter/ National Maritime Musuem London) Paddy Rodgers, director of Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “Founded 350 years ago, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is Britain’s oldest purpose-built scientific institution.

“It is the birthplace of modern astronomy and the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time.

“Through this project we aim to inspire new audiences and advance our remit as a place for the public understanding of astronomy as decreed by our Royal Warrant.

“The Royal Observatory has long been a place of curiosity, meticulous observation and creative thinking.

“This encapsulates the spirit of this project.”

Landmark astronomy site set for three-year transformation project (Image: National Maritime Musuem London) The development will include essential repairs, new visitor facilities, and upgraded galleries.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a new entrance pavilion, landscaped pathways, and four interactive astronomy galleries.

For the first time, step-free access will be provided to the Victorian Great Equatorial Telescope.

Step-free access to Great Equatorial Telescope among major upgrades (Image: National Maritime Musuem London) Jamie Fobert Architects, the award-winning firm leading the design, will oversee the transformation.

Jamie Fobert said: “The Royal Observatory Greenwich is an extraordinary site; a unique collection of buildings designed to hold astronomical instruments.

“From its inception in the form of Wren’s octagonal Flamsteed House (1676), the site has been in a state of constant flux of construction and demolition as new telescopes were required.”

“It is a great privilege to be tasked with considering how best to add to this ‘constellation’ of buildings, to better welcome visitors and to create galleries where the full story of time and space can be revealed.”

The project is expected to be completed by spring 2028.

The Prime Meridian line, Meridian Observatory, and Flamsteed House galleries will remain open to visitors until spring 2027.