Open house events at Maritime Greenwich

Several of Maritime Greenwich’s beautiful iconic buildings and hidden architectural treasures, some of which are not generally open to the public, will be welcoming visitors free of charge on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September as part of the ‘Open House’ London weekend.

The architectural event, which falls within the Maritime Greenwich Festival Month of September, provides an opportunity to experience buildings in the flesh and encourages a better understanding of fine architecture and urban development.

A diverse range of important buildings will be opening under the initiative in and around the World Heritage Site including historic houses, museums, education and entertainment centres, a hospital and several sites within the Old Royal Naval College.

Between 10am and 4.30pm both days visitors to the College can join a guided tour taking in the Admiral’s House, Victorian Skittle Alley, Jacobean Undercroft, Nelson Room exhibition and ‘Samuel Pepys’ character performances in the Painted Hall. On Sunday only they will also be able to visit the King Charles, King William, Queen Anne and Queen Mary Courts all of which were designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The King Charles building was originally intended as the ‘King’s House’ of 1664-69, and although it was never completed, it became the cornerstone for Wren’s subsequent design.

Amongst the other sites opening are the Brass Foundry at the National Maritime Museum; the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park; Ranger’s House - home of the Wernher Collection; Dreadnought Library; Trinity Hospital and the Greenwich Picturehouse.

In addition to the ‘Open House’ weekend, throughout September Maritime Greenwich will come alive with a series of special events ranging from light classical music, jazz and street entertainment to a challenging boat race. Highlights of the programme will include the annual 22-mile Great River Race from Richmond to Greenwich on Saturday 8 September and a ten-day Riverfront Jazz Festival from 20 - 30 September, when every style of jazz will be played in a selection of local venues.

A car free day on Saturday, 22 September enables visitors to enjoy the village atmosphere and open market in a traffic free environment, while being entertained by free street performances and music.

This year also marks the tenth anniversary since the centre of Greenwich was awarded World Heritage Site status for its architectural, scientific, maritime and royal associations.

For details visit Greenwichwhs.org.uk or for further information about ‘Open House’ London visit Openhouse.org.uk.