Maritime Greenwich is marking the 20 years since it was awarded World Heritage Site status with a stunning lighting event, illuminating the sites that represent over 500 years of Greenwich's cultural heritage.

Lighting up Greenwich's cultural heritage

A programme of special anniversary events will take place throughout the year, beginning with the lighting event on World Heritage Day, Tuesday 18 April.

After the lights are switched on at 8.30pm, visitors to the World Heritage Site will see famous Greenwich landmarks illuminated in spectacular fashion.

The London landmarks that will be lit up include the Royal Museum Greenwich sites; Cutty Sark, the Queen's House, National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Greenwich, as well as the Old Royal Naval College.

When and where

• Dates: Tuesday 18 April 2017
• Venue: Maritime Greenwich, SE10
• Times: 8.30pm to 11pm. Greenwich Park and the grounds of the National Maritime Museum and Old Royal Naval College will be open late until 10pm. Cutty Sark will be lit up until 11pm.
• Admission: Visitors can enter the grounds to view the lights free of charge.

Please note: The buildings won't be open to the public outside of normal opening hours.

'Renowned around the world'

Cllr Denise Hyland, Chair of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site Steering Group and Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:  "Greenwich is renowned around the world as the home of time and a place with a rich royal and maritime history.

"A lot has changed in our borough in the twenty years since Maritime Greenwich became a World Heritage site but one constant that has remained is the appeal that it has with visitors from around the world.

"Each year 18 million people visit our borough spending £1.24 billion in the local economy. As we reach this momentous anniversary, the celebrations we have planned will help to reinforce why people keep coming back here time after time."

Find out more about what makes Maritime Greenwich a World Heritage Site

Plan a visit and find out more about things to see and do in Royal Greenwich