Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College is to commemorate 300 years since the completion of its Painted Hall, writes Frankie Hills…
Known as the UK’s ‘Sistine Chapel’, the famous Baroque building is hosting an extensive anniversary programme to celebrate the milestone, with a series of events aimed at exploring the halls extensive history and modern day use as a filming location.
Events will range from dedicated art installations, to specially guided tours of the facility, with visitors having the opportunity to appreciate more than 3,700 square metres of Baroque architecture in a way not previously experienced.
The College, designed by Sir James Thornhill, had its infamous hall painted between 1707-1726.
Particularly noted features include the Celestial ceiling, which depicts more than 200 historical and mythological figures, including kings and queens of old.
The space was originally intended to serve as an eating space for the Greenwich pensioners who lived at the site when it was the Royal Hospital, but as it quickly became a tourist destination, the hall became reserved for dining on special occasions.
To mark its 300 years of existence, the Old Royal Naval College has liaised with artist Peter Walker to create an installation titled Connection and Beauty, with this being a reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.
Meanwhile, tours relating to the hall’s role as a filming location will demarcate infamous filming location to visitors, with this presentation being titled Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palace, and Spies Sleuths and Superheroes.
Other festivities planned include a Tudor Takeover between 18th-19th April 2026 as well as a series of concerts and silent discos within the Painted Hall.
Relatedarticles
