Open Weekend: Celebrating the Launch of the Cultural Olympiad
NMM & ORNC
3 September 2008
Open Weekend
Celebrating the launch of the Cultural Olympiad
Friday 26 and 28 September 2008
A two-day programme of free events, talks and tours celebrates the launch of London’s Cultural Olympiad at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and the Old Royal Naval College. The events are a rare chance to go behind the scenes and learn more about the Royal Observatory, one of the world’s most important historical scientific sites. The ‘Greenwich Lives’ event is an intriguing opportunity for local residents and budding historians to find out about their maritime ancestors using the NMM’s archive resources. Local residents and families can also contribute their personal stories and memories of the Greenwich to a giant timeline.
Behind the Scenes at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich!
Friday 26 September 2008
11.30 – 16.00 Royal Observatory, Greenwich
David Rooney, the Observatory’s Curator of Timekeeping reveals some of the surprising stories of Greenwich time and the people who relied on it. The tour explores the Royal Navy’s original chronometer station, now the horology workshop and study room.
The significance of Greenwich to the story of time is told through performances in the courtyard of Flamsteed House. Actors tell the story of Ruth Belville, the 19th-century lady who sold Greenwich time around London, and offers a glimpse of life before battery-operated watches.
Visitors can also see the workings of the Observatory’s Camera Obscura and discover how early astronomers like John Flamsteed used it to make observations of the skies. ‘Ask an astronomer’ sessions led Marek Kukula, the Observatory’s new Public Astronomer are an opportunity to ask questions about the universe.
In 2008, the Royal Observatory won a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Award. The prize recognized the spectacular redevelopment of the south site in May 2007. A tour of the site and the new Astronomy Centre is led by the project’s architects, Allies and Morrison, and highlights from the tours include a look at the building of the spectacular bronze cone housing the Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Admission: Suitable for ages 6+
Tickets to all activities are free. Some events are ticketed. Tickets are available on the day at the main entrance.
Greenwich lives!
Sunday 28 September 2008
11.30 – 16.00 National Maritime Museum and the Old Naval College
This one-day event is a chance for visitors to come to the Museum and Old Royal Naval College and take part in workshops, performances and tours. The day explores the personal memories of the local community and visitors can contribute their accounts to the history of this World Heritage site by adding them to a giant timeline.
Visitors can also explore their own family history and trace maritime ancestors by bringing along family documents. There is also advice on how best to conserve family documents from the NMM’s Archives and Manuscripts departments.
An under-6s ‘mini-Olympics’ is a great way for young children to join in the fun and excitement of the cultural Olympiad.
Hear the story of Joe Brown, the Greenwich Pensioner who fought in the Battle of Trafalgar in a lively performance and tour by a costumed actor. The tour begins at the NMM and finishes in the magnificent Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.
The afternoon is a chance to tour the Old Royal Naval College and find out more about the history of Maritime Greenwich as well as the new interpretation and education centre, Discover Greenwich. Families can also enjoy free activity packs, board games and discover trails around the site with binoculars and magnifying glasses.
In the Painted Hall visitors are encouraged to create their own ‘Postcard from Greenwich’ by sharing their interesting memories, thoughts and future visions of Greenwich.
General Information
- General admission to the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House and Royal Observatory, Greenwich is free to all visitors. Last admission is at 16.30pm
- Tours and workshops may be subject to change on the day. For updated information please visit www.nmm.ac.uk
- The Joe Brown tour begins will begin at 14.00pm in the Nelson gallery of the NMM and finish at the Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College at last approximately 45 minutes.
- A special British Sign Language interpreted tour of the Old Royal Naval College will begin at 15.15pm in the Painted Hall.
- For more information about events at the Old Royal Naval College please contact Isabel Keim. Tel: 020 8269 4763 ikeim@greenwichfoundation.org.uk
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For further information or images please contact Nigel Rubenstein
Telephone: 0208 312 6732 Email: nrubenstein@nmm.ac.uk
