Discover the truth behind pirate life in a major new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum

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Image Credit: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

Heroic rascals or violent criminals? Discover the truth behind pirate life in a major new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum.

Pirates exhibition traces the changing depictions of pirates through the ages and reveals the brutal reality behind the fiction.

The exhibition explores the perception of piracy in popular culture – from comical characters like Captain Pugwash and Captain Hook to anti-heroes like Long John Silver and Captain Jack Sparrow – and examines why the idea of a pirate’s life still fascinates us today.

While often portrayed as swashbuckling scoundrels, the real history of pirates is far more complex. 

Pirates follows the global history of piracy from the South China Sea to the coast of North Africa and explores the issues of modern piracy facing seafarers today. The exhibition illuminates real-life figures, including Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach, William Kidd, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and reflects on how perceptions of pirates, both past and present, are shifting.

* Suitable for all ages 10+

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£15.00 per ticket
Child (Ages 4-15)£7.50 per ticket
Student£11.25 per ticket

* Children under 4 go FREE

Book Tickets Online

Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

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Map & Directions

Pirates Exhibition

Type:Exhibition

National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF
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Tel+44 (0)20 8312 6608

Opening Times

Pirates Exhibition (29 Mar 2025 - 4 Jan 2026)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00

* FREE Admission

Awards

  • Other AwardsVisit Greenwich Partner Visit Greenwich Partner 2021

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National Maritime Museum, GreenwichNational Maritime Museum, GreenwichThe National Maritime Museum holds the world’s largest maritime collection telling stories of Britain’s relationship with the sea.