Hi everyone! It’s been a hot minute but I’m coming to you with another beautiful spot in London!
The Painted Hall is located at The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and is a must-see for art lovers! This is one of the most spectacular interiors in Europe where the ceiling and walls are decorated with art executed by Sir James Thornhill. It is actually known as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’ and took 19 years to complete, finishing in 1726.
The art covers 40,000 square feet with grandeur, it was originally intended to be used as a grand dining room for the naval pensioners however soon it was turned into a ceremonial space open to paying visitors and reserved for special functions. The epic painting includes around 200 figures to illustrate a story filled with political change, scientific cultural achievement and much more. It is a complex blend of mythological, historical and contemporary elements. The main narrative is concerning the pivotal moment in which the United Kingdom was created and became a force of power in Europe.
Running across the middle of the Hall are large seats where you can sit or even lie down for your viewing convenience. We lied down to take in the sights whilst listening to the audio guide as well as capture some amazing pictures and videos! It was such a peaceful experience lying there surrounded by quiet serenity.
Getting here isn’t too difficult if you’re in London, we took the tube to North Greenwich and then an Uber Boat from North Greenwich Pier to Greenwich Pier which was a nice little treat. From there it was a 5-minute walk to the main reception area where you can purchase tickets.
This is the perfect place for a chilled day out, pop in your headphones and explore the grounds. Be sure to check out the timings for The Painted Hall as well as the stunning Chapel to make sure you can spend time exploring at your leisure. Pictures do not do justice to the stunning details however I have added a few shots I took below!
Let me know if you visit The Painted Hall and any recommendations you have that I should check out next.
Drop a like on this post if you found it useful or enjoyable and leave a comment on what else you would like to see on the blog! Also be sure to follow our Instagram page for more content and updates on upcoming posts!
And Everything Else 