The Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall
Discover the Hidden Treasures of Greenwich in Naval College Painted Hall
London is perhaps one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth. Each year, millions of tourists visit the English capital to explore the wonders sprawled across the city streets. From majestic architectures to historic landmarks, royal castles, picturesque gardens, museums, exhibitions, shopping streets, and iconic theatre venues, London has it all. The splendours, however, are not limited within the city alone. Across the River Thames, Greenwich is another treasure trove of must-visit sites. The Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park and The O2 are some of the most famous destinations in Greenwich. Without a visit to these places, your London trip will be incomplete. Nevertheless, the regular tours to Greenwich will not tell you about some of the lesser-known spots.
Although, these hidden gems will take your trip to the next level. One such treasure is Naval College Painted Hall. Housed in the iconic Old Royal Naval College, this grand hall is one of the finest displays of old British paintings. The magnificent hall, adorned by artistic masterpieces, is truly a sight to behold. Some call it “Britain’s Sistine Chapel”. From this, you would probably be able to imagine the grandeur and beauty of the place. Not just for its exquisiteness, the place also holds great significance in the history of Great Britain. It is now a World Heritage Site, with UNESCO describing it as ‘being of outstanding universal value’. So, while you are in Greenwich, don’t miss the opportunity to experience such a splendid sight.
A Treasure Trove of Heritage and Splendour
If you are a history buff, both London and Greenwich have a lot in store for you. Further, suppose you enjoy learning about the history of art. In that case, the Naval College Painted Hall should be a must-visit spot in your travel itinerary. The magnificent structure is an excellent display of Baroque art and interiors. Originally conceived by Sir James Thornhill, the place is bejewelled with incredible wall and ceiling decorations.
The epic painting scheme took almost 19 years to be completed. A variety of painting techniques influenced by Baroque painting, including chiaroscuro (contrast of light and dark) and trompe l’oeil (‘trick the eye’), has brought the great hall to life. Sir Thornhill took the task of painting over 200 figures to tell the story of Britain’s progress through social, political, scientific, and cultural achievements, as well as its naval and merchant enterprises across the globe.
Immerse Yourself in Grandeur and Glory
Take a tour around the magnificent hall to experience the finest Baroque paintings that speak of England’s progress and prosperity, narrate the Tudor monarchs’ history, and simply marvel at the exquisite paintings. Find out more details about the place with the personal multimedia guide available in different languages. Learn more about the fascinating history of the place, why it took Sir Thornhill 19 years to complete the project, and how the Naval College Painted Hall became a celebration of Britain’s naval force.