The National Maritime Museum was founded by Act of Parliament in 1934. It also includes the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG), the Queen’s House, the clipper ship Cutty Sark and the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre (PPMCC). The collective brand name for the sites is Royal Museums Greenwich or RMG. The sites are open 362 days a year and in 2023-24 we welcomed nearly 2,580,000 visitors.
The National Maritime Museum is a statutory corporation and an exempt charity. The Museum is classed as an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body and operates under the Board of Trustees, the CEO, and Executive Directors. Entry to the national maritime collection is free. Admission charges are made for special exhibitions, the Peter Harrison Planetarium, the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.
Royal Museums Greenwich enjoys a unique conjunction of subjects – History, Science (in particular, astronomy), Arts – and works with its audiences at local, regional, national and global levels to provide a greater understanding of humanity’s connection with the sea, space and time. RMG aims to be a welcoming place for everyone, receptive to engage with communities and provide a multi perspective social history, to become a place of memory and dialogue.
The Museum’s collection comprises more than 3 million items. There are some 45,000 three dimensional objects – which include ship models, scientific, navigational and astronomical instruments. There are around 75,000 oil paintings and prints and drawings and over 2 million manuscripts, rare books, ships plans, sea charts and historic photographic negatives. The Museum has the world’s largest maritime archive and maritime historical reference library including books dating back to the 15th century. An active loans programme ensures that items from the collection are seen in the UK and overseas. Through its displays, exhibitions and learning programmes the Museum also explores our current relationship with the sea, and its future as an environmental force and resource.
We are currently embarking on a once in a generation redevelopment of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, marking the 350th anniversary of celestial observation at Greenwich in 2026, making it a place of ‘awe and wonder’;not only an essential stop off on the tourist map to visit the Prime Meridian but also a ‘must-see’ destination for the domestic audience to discover Time and Space.
Why the Royal Museums Greenwich is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
We currently have a Board of Trustees with significant and varied experience who bring considerable expertise to the organisation. However, being committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, we would like our Board to better reflect and understand the communities we serve and the staff who work at the Museum. Our Trustees welcome the opportunity to host someone who would like to gain experience of the work of a Trustee and equally look forward to learning from someone with different life experiences and perspectives.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Usually at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Board meetings are held quarterly. Other Committee meetings are held between two and three times a year.
Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)
27 February, 8 May, 17 July, 6 November.
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January – December 2025)
6 February, 19 June, 16 October
Security checks
Yes
Payment of travel expenses
Yes
