The anniversary will be marked with a programme of events taking place throughout the year.
2026 will see the Old Royal Naval College celebrating the 300th anniversary of the completion of the Painted Hall, an UNESCO protected site. Across the year, visitors can expect new curated wellbeing events, special tours and moments of wonder and reflection inside and around what’s recognised as UK’s Sistine Chapel.
The year begins with the final opportunity to see Peter Walker’s art installations Connection and Identity. Walker’s dramatic and modern reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam presents casts of two women’s hands, while eight illuminated columns, evoking DNA structures, hang in the Painted Hall. This unique collaboration emphasises the history of the space through an inspiring dialogue between past and present, posing the question: what is it that connects us?
Meanwhile, for romantics on Valentine’s Day, the Painted Hall will also welcome back the luxury fine-dining experience set beneath the extraordinary ceiling.
As a popular filming location, the Old Royal Naval College continues to champion film and TV culture following their celebration of 100 Years of film. In 2026, there will be
new film masterclasses available alongside two Film Tours: Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palaces and Spies, Sleuths and Superheroes, both offering guided behind-the-scenes access through iconic shoot locations, cinematic secrets and more than 100 years of on-screen storytelling.
Elsewhere, A full-day retreat across the site’s most atmospheric spaces
will launch in September 2026, carefully curated as a collaboration between the college and the London House of Wellbeing. Highlights include a mix of the Old Royal Naval College’s existing offering of Vinyasa Yoga and Lie Down and Listen sessions in the Painted Hall and new sessions such as Reflexology in the Queen Mary Courtyard, talks on Gut Health and Journaling sessions under the Colonnades. Admirals House
will host Baby and Postnatal Yoga classes and a heart-opening Cacao Ceremony.
In another collaboration, with partner Tea and Crafting which brings new
Arts & Crafts workshops to the Old Royal Naval College. The launch of this Arts and Crafts series provides the opportunity to delve into the joys of creating and learn new skills or simply relax and create, and is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
One spring weekend, visitors are invited to travel back in time with the Old Royal Naval
College’s new Tudor Takeover. Bringing the grandeur of Greenwich Palace and the drama of Tudor life to vivid reality, this event presents immersive historical re-enactment, period dance, music, and a historical royal procession that continues into the summer months as pirates once again take over the grounds with Golden Age of Piracy.
music and family activities also remain a integral part of the programme across 2026. From concerts and Silent Disco lates in the Painted Hall to live performances and recitals in the Chapel, the site celebrates the orchestral and contemporary for all listeners. There will also be refreshed family experiences throughout the year which will bring stories to life in fun, meaningful and accessible ways for all ages through play, creativity and
imagination.
Now in its fourth year, the return of the annual Greenwich Dog Show invites pups,
pooches and their owners to put their best paw forwards. Autumn sees the return of renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker, with his breathtaking
installation Peace Doves in the Painted Hall. As part of a three year partnership, the Old Royal Naval College is working closely with Walker to develop bespoke artworks created specifically for the iconic site, further establishing the Painted Hall as a place where audiences encounter the premieres of major new artworks. Walker will also return with an outstanding installation from Luxmuralis in November, marking the start of the winter season with immersive light and sound experiences.
For further information visit: https://ornc.org/