The free 360 degree interactive tour allows the public to still view the iconic attraction.

With the Old Royal Navel College being closed to the public at the current time, it has been confirmed that people will still be able to see its Painted Hall, with interactive tours available online via the website.

Narrated by actress Tara Fitzgerald, the interactive tours will allow the public to explore the Painted Hall up close. Through the tour, users will be able to zoom in and explore the space in 360-degree high resolution GigaPan images, guided by the actress. By digitalising the venue, it also ensures that visitors can experience it in an innovative and accessible way, with a customisable version with British Sign Language available.

The Old Royal Navel College was originally a Tudor palace before it was rebuilt as a hospital for seamen. It has a rich history and features buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

Talking about the news of the virtual tour, Claire Kirk, Head of Interpretation said: “We are thrilled that, for the first time, people can get up close to this magnificent Baroque interior from the comfort of their own homes and from all over the world. Zooming in on our Painted Hall ceiling in ultra-high resolution reveals details you can’t see from the ground – fire-breathing serpents, glistening jewels and bubble-blowing cherubs. With this
new tool everyone can appreciate not only the mastery of Thornhill’s brushwork but also the incredible quality of the conservation work recently carried out. It’s like a scaffolding tour but with your feet firmly on the ground!”

This tour was created by the Old Royal Naval College working in
partnership with ATS Heritage and Nikreations. The audio-described introduction to the Old Royal Naval College was created in partnership with VocalEyes. Both projects and the Painted Hall conservation have been made possible through generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

To take part in a tour visit: https://virtualtour.ornc.org/