Although it’s not possible to visit in person at the present time, the Old Royal Naval College, part of Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, has ensured that the public can still marvel at the iconic Painted Hall. A free 360-degree interactive virtual tour of the Painted Hall has been launched to provide visitors with the opportunity to explore ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’ up close, narrated by actress Tara Fitzgerald.
It has been one year since the Painted Hall re-opened after an award-winning architectural and conservation project to restore this Baroque masterpiece to its former glory. Painted in the 18th century by Sir James Thornhill, 40,000 square feet of walls and ceilings are covered in a decorative scheme that depicts 200 figures, including kings and queens and mythological creatures. Users will be able to zoom in and explore the space in 360-degree high resolution GigaPan images, guided by Fitzgerald’s calm, distinctive voice. The digitisation of the Painted Hall allows online visitors to experience it in an innovative and accessible way, with a customisable version with British Sign Language available.
Originally a Tudor palace, before being rebuilt as a hospital for seamen, the Old Royal Naval College has a rich history, with buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
The Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, recently won the 2020 London & Partners’ Visitor Attraction of the Year Award, for delivering amazing experiences to visitors. It puts the Old Royal Naval College in the running for VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020.
