Greenwich’s legendary observatory is celebrating its 350th birthday with a massive £77 million makeover

It was first built in 1675, after King Charles II ordered a warrant for the construction of the Royal Observatory. Now, 350 years later, the Christopher Wren-designed observatory overlooking Greenwich Park is getting a major £77 million renovation. 

Jamie Fobert Architects will be heading up the major glow-up, after the firm won a public competition to take ownership of the project in 20222. 

The project, called ‘First Light’ will add a new entry pavilion and garden walk, accessible routes to the Great Equatorial Telescope and Planetarium (including a lift tower), refreshed galleries with interactive displays, and new space with shops and cafés called ‘Astronomers Court’. 

Work will begin in September 2025, with the gardens and the accessible routes getting an overhaul which will mean they reach the telescope for the first time. 

Of the £77 million budget, £50.5 million has been secured so far. The project is due to be complete by spring 2028. 

Paddy Rodgers, chief executive of Royal Museums Greenwich, said: ‘Founded 350 years ago, the Royal Observatory Greenwich is Britain’s oldest purpose-built scientific institution. It is the birthplace of modern astronomy and the home of the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time.

‘Through this project we aim to inspire new audiences and advance our remit as a place for the public understanding of astronomy as decreed by our Royal Warrant. The Royal Observatory has long been a place of curiosity, meticulous observation and creative thinking. This encapsulates the spirit of this project.’

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