Queen’s House is a former royal residence in Greenwich, now part of the National Maritime Museum and home to an art collection. Designed by Inigo Jones for Anne of Denmark in the early 17th century, it was the first classical-style building in England. Inside, look for the Tulip Staircase, ornate ceilings and the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, as well as works by artists including Turner, Canaletto and Gainsborough. Entry is free, and the house sits close to Greenwich Park and other Greenwich sights.
A royal commission in Greenwich
Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I, commissioned Inigo Jones to design the house in the early 17th century. Jones had travelled in Italy, and the building brought classical architecture to England. Its clean proportions and pale exterior set it apart from the red-brick Tudor palace that once stood nearby.
The house was intended as a royal residence, though it was rarely used by Anne. Members of the royal family used it until 1805. After the Civil War, it was sold, and it later served as a home for orphans. Today it is part of the National Maritime Museum and displays art within its historic rooms.
Art in the house
The collection includes paintings by Turner, Canaletto, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Hogarth and Lowry. Works connected with Greenwich sit alongside portraits and marine paintings, giving the galleries a strong link to the area’s maritime and royal past.
The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I is one of the house’s best-known works. Its rich details and image of the queen make it a natural point to seek out as you move through the galleries. An exhibition called All The Queen’s Men examines the role of the queen’s courtiers in her life.
The Tulip Staircase and Great Hall
The Tulip Staircase is a self-supporting spiral staircase and one of the house’s most distinctive architectural details. Take time to look at its curves and the space around it. The ornate ceilings and the Great Hall offer more chances to appreciate the building itself, not only the pictures on its walls.
The Great Hall has a black-and-white marble floor and a gold-leafed ceiling. It is also used for weddings and events, so the way visitors move through the house can feel less direct than in a single-route gallery. Talks and special tours, including tours focused on darker stories connected with the house, add another way to explore its history.
FAQ
Is entry to Queen’s House free?
Yes. Entry is free.
Who designed Queen’s House?
Inigo Jones designed the house for Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I.
What should I see at Queen’s House?
Look for the Tulip Staircase, the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I, the ornate ceilings and paintings by artists including Turner, Canaletto and Gainsborough.
Where is Queen’s House?
It is on Romney Road in Greenwich, next to the National Maritime Museum and close to Greenwich Park.
