This theme introduces some of the key early explorers such as Drake and Columbus, as well as looking more closely at Captain Cook and 18th-Century Exploration, and Polar Exploration. The National Maritime Museum holds the largest art collection of its kind in the world. This theme concentrates on portraiture, war art and ship and port scenes, and provides an excellent introduction to this varied and extensive collection. This theme offers an introduction to the National Maritime Museum's collections of astronomy, navigation, hydrography and precision timekeeping. They are operated by mouse or touchscreen.
Staff are always in attendance and able to offer help and advice.
For those wishing to pursue more specialised studies, a small Research Room offers a fee-paid printing facility, full access to the Museum's collections database and, through the Museum's website, access to PORT, the Maritime Information Gateway.