The Sammy Ofer Wing: A Sea Change

Latest news

Closures
The outdoor play area, Regatta café and three galleries have now closed. Read more...

HLF grant for new wing
The Heritage Lottery Fund has confirmed a grant of £5m to the new wing. Read more...

Cornerstone unveiled
Sammy Ofer KBE unveils cornerstone of new archive and exhibition wing. Read more...

Construction contractor
Bovis Lend Lease has been chosen as the main construction contractor for the Sammy Ofer Wing. Read more...

Library hours update
Library hours from Jan 2009
Library hours from 2012

A sea change at the National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum is planning a major new wing. Scheduled to open in 2012 in time for the London Olympics, the custom-designed exhibition spaces and highly accessible archives will drive a sea change in the way the Museum presents its programme to an ever-growing volume of visitors, both from within the UK and internationally.

See what the new wing will look like

Why do we need a new wing?

The new wing will open access routes from the Museum to Greenwich Park with a new south entrance. 

It will improve the Museum’s key visitor approaches from the Royal Observatory and major transport arrival points, as well as connections with the rest of the World Heritage Site.

The new wing will give visitors a complete sense of what the Museum offers: world-class displays, collections and visitor facilities, all in one accessible configuration.

It features five key elements:

  • the new entrance from the south
  • a substantial new space for special exhibitions
  • an open archive research centre including key iconic objects and interactive galleries
  • a stylish new café, brasserie and shop and upgraded visitor facilities
  • flexible new learning spaces

Read a personal introduction from the Museum's Director, or more about
what the new wing will provide.

A brief history of the site

Brief history of the site slideshow

The Museum and its surroundings have been evolving since 1820, adapting to meet new needs and challenges. View slideshow

Mr Sammy Ofer, KBE

Sammy Ofer The new wing has been made possible thanks to a substantial gift by Mr Sammy Ofer, KBE.

Your feedback

Visualisation of feedback - links to feedback form Visualisation of feedback from consultation