Wednesday, 23 September 2026

First Light: bringing the wonders of the Universe to Greenwich

For 350 years, Royal Observatory Greenwich has been a place to look beyond our world and explore the mysteries of the universe. Now, it’s entering an exciting new chapter.

First Light is an ambitious transformation project that will make science and astronomy more accessible to everyone. Inspiring new galleries and displays, innovative architecture, sensitive conservation and improved access will bring the Observatory’s extraordinary stories to life in new ways.

To support construction, the site will close temporarily from 2 November 2026. However you'll soon be able to experience one of our most iconic highlights again when the Meridian Courtyard re-opens in Summer 2027. The full project is due to be complete by spring 2028.

Discover a new vision for the Royal Observatory – and see how First Light will inspire everyone to explore the wonders of time and space.

Discover the project

Imperial War Musems - IWM Institute's upcoming events

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Discover IWM Institute's upcoming events

Join us at IWM London for two events hosted by the IWM Institute.

The IWM Institute is IWM’s hub for research, development and knowledge exchange, exploring links between past conflicts, today's world and future wars.

War Artists: Witnessing Beauty and Destruction

14 October

IWM London

What role do artists play in times of war? How do artists navigate the tension between aesthetic beauty and the devastation of war? And what does it mean to create in, or in response to, conflict?

The IWM Institute will stage a panel discussion exploring the unique power of art to both document and shape the course of conflict throughout history. The line-up includes curator Mark Sealy, artist Jananne Al-Ani and journalist Kirsty Lang, as well as IWM's Head of Art Rebecca Newell.

The speakers will examine the evolving role of the war artist, the myriad ethical questions around the visual representation of violence, and the enduring power of art to provoke reflection and inspire dialogue.

Book Tickets

The Information Battlefield: Truth, Trust and Conflict in the Age of AI

25 November

IWM London

The front lines of twenty-first century conflict are increasingly found not only on battlefields, but in feeds and algorithms. The struggle to shape what people know, believe and trust has become a defining feature of contemporary conflict.

Bringing together Olga Tokariuk and Misha Glenny, leading experts in technology, security and journalism, who will explore how AI, social media and digital networks are reshaping the information battlefield.

This event is part of IWM Institute's Future of War series, which explores cutting-edge current topics related to the fields of war and conflict.

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