About
The Queen's House is a stunning 17th-century former royal residence and Britain's first classical building, designed by Inigo Jones and completed in 1638 for Queen Henrietta Maria. This architectural masterpiece introduced Palladian style to England and is now a Grade I listed building within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich.
Today it houses the National Maritime Museum's world-class collection of maritime art, including works by Turner, Hogarth, Reynolds, and Gainsborough.
With its perfect proportions, geometric Tulip Stairs (first cantilevered stairs in Britain), and Great Hall cubic room, it's both an architectural treasure and outstanding art gallery.
Categories:
Annual Visitors (2022)
380,000
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Morning light beautiful in Great Hall. Combine with Maritime Museum next door.
💡 Visitor Tips
- Don't miss the Tulip Stairs - architectural masterpiece and perfect photo opportunity
- The Great Hall is breathtaking - look up at the ceiling paintings
- Free lunchtime talks often held in Great Hall - check schedule
- Combine with Maritime Museum next door - both free entry
- Much quieter than Maritime Museum - peaceful art viewing
- Photography allowed - the Tulip Stairs and Great Hall are Instagram favorites
Highlights
The Tulip Stairs
Britain's first geometric self-supporting spiral staircase, built 1630s. Elegant wrought-iron balustrade with tulip pattern. Architectural masterpiece and Instagram favorite.
The Great Hall
Perfect 40-foot cube room with black and white marble floor, considered one of the finest rooms in England. Inigo Jones's geometrical perfection.
The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I
Iconic portrait showing Elizabeth I as Gloriana with Spanish Armada in background. One of three versions, this is the finest. Symbol of English maritime power.
Turner's Battle of Trafalgar (sketch)
J.M.W. Turner's preliminary studies for his monumental Trafalgar painting. Shows the artist's process.
Collections
The Queen's House displays the National Maritime Museum's outstanding collection of fine and decorative arts. Holdings include 17th-19th century British maritime paintings, portraits of naval commanders and explorers, ship paintings, sea battles, and coastal scenes. Artists represented include Turner, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Hogarth, Lely, Kneller, and the van de Veldes.
The building itself is the primary exhibit - Inigo Jones's revolutionary Palladian architecture introduced classical design to Britain.
The Architecture of Inigo Jones
Experience Britain's first classical building - the Tulip Stairs, Great Hall, and perfect proportions
📍 Throughout building
Maritime Art Collection
British maritime paintings from the 17th-19th centuries including Turner, Gainsborough, and naval portraits
📍 Upper floor galleries
The Armada Portrait
Elizabeth I's iconic portrait celebrating England's defeat of the Spanish Armada
📍 Queen's Presence Chamber
Stuart Royal Apartments
Restored King's and Queen's Presence Chambers showing 17th-century royal interiors
📍 First Floor
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.
