Accessing parts of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park will cost visitors £10 from March, it has emerged.
The new charge is being introduced from March 8th this year and applies to Flamsteed House and the Meridian Line. Adults will pay £10 and those that qualify for a concession will pay £7.50. Once paid, the pass will enable free returns for 12 months. Children aged 15 and under will continue to get free access.
The Astronomy Centre with its three interactive galleries will remain free.
Charging was abolished at the museum in 2001, when free entry was introduced at national museums in England, Scotland and Wales, but a spokesperson for the National Maritime Museum says it "needs to look at generating more of its own revenue" after a "a prolonged period of limited investment".
Lord Sterling, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Maritime Museum said, “After thorough deliberation, Trustees have taken the decision that the only responsible and practical course of action we can adopt is to return to charging for the Meridian Line and Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory.”
When asked if the Royal Observatory would be considering discounted entry for holders of the council's "Greenwich Card" scheme, the NMM spokesperson commented, "It is something we are looking into."
Additional coverage at the Greenwich Gazette, Greenwich Phantom and 853.
“Trustees have taken the decision that the only responsible and practical course of action we can adopt is to return to charging for the Meridian Line and Flamsteed House at the Royal Observatory.”
My memory may be faulty, but I don’t ever remember a charge being made to stand in the courtyard of the observatory when charges were made before 2001. They aren’t returning to charging, therefore, they are introducing them.