Royal Observatory Greenwich Launches £77 Million Transformation Project

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich has initiated a major transformation project valued at £77 million, aiming to enhance accessibility and educational opportunities at London’s only planetarium. The project, named the First Light initiative, coincides with the observatory’s 350th anniversary and seeks to inspire future generations to explore the cosmos.

As part of this ambitious undertaking, the observatory temporarily closed the Peter Harrison Planetarium and the south side of its site last month. Despite these closures, key attractions like the Prime Meridian line, Meridian Observatory, and astronomy galleries within Flamsteed House remain open to visitors. The project’s cornerstone is improving access to the Great Equatorial Telescope, which is notable for its length of 8.5 metres and a 28-inch lens, making it the tenth largest telescope of its kind in the world.

Currently, the telescope is situated in an onion dome that is accessible only via a narrow spiral staircase. This limitation poses challenges for individuals with mobility issues. The First Light project plans to construct a lift and staircase, ensuring universal access to this significant instrument for the first time. Paddy Rodgers, Director of Royal Museums Greenwich, emphasized the importance of making such scientific treasures accessible. He stated, “We will build a lift and staircase that will ensure there will be universal access to see what is one of the greatest telescopes in Britain.”

In addition to enhancing accessibility, the project is designed to deepen public understanding of the complex work undertaken by astronomers and astrophysicists at the observatory. Rodgers remarked, “We want to take all the work we do in the classrooms and planetarium and bring them out into the whole museum.” This approach aims to ignite curiosity among visitors.

Central to the First Light initiative are four new interactive astronomy galleries that will explore themes such as matter, motion, light, and space. These spaces will provide insights into how astronomers study the universe, making complex concepts more approachable for the general public.

The project also includes the construction of a new entrance pavilion to guide visitors from Greenwich Park into the observatory. A covered courtyard, dubbed Astronomers Court, will serve as a venue for live science events, including experiments, talks led by astronomers, and opportunities for hands-on learning. A roof terrace will facilitate live streaming of celestial events through the observatory’s modern telescopes, further engaging visitors.

Rodgers hopes these developments will inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the universe. Sharing a personal anecdote, he noted that his own daughter, who visited the observatory at age 13, has since pursued a master’s degree in physics and astrophysics. He expressed that the observatory offers not only educational experiences but also opportunities for family bonding and conversations that inspire future careers in science and technology.

Funding for the £77 million project comes from various sources, including the Royal Museums Greenwich’s reserves, government funding, grants from external foundations, and private donations. Notably, the National Lottery Heritage Fund announced a grant of £9.7 million for the project on October 7, 2023, which coincided with World Space Week. Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, stated, “The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a beacon of science and learning, and a World Heritage Site of national and international importance. We are delighted that thanks to National Lottery players, this magical place will continue to inspire for generations to come.”

This transformative project at the Royal Observatory Greenwich marks a significant step towards making astronomy accessible and engaging for all, ensuring that the wonders of the universe can be appreciated by everyone.