National Museum of the Royal Navy

The National Museum of the Royal Navy operatesas a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving and presenting the material heritage of the British Royal Navy. It curates permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase historic vessels, uniforms, documents and artefacts. The museum maintains a collection of historic ships and submarines that are accessible to the public at its sites. It provides educational programmes for schools, families and community groups, offering workshops, talks and guided tours. Scholars and researchers are given access to its archives, library and specialist collections for academic study. By combining conservation work with public engagement, the institution seeks to foster understanding of maritime history among diverse audiences.

The organisation operates six museum sites across the United Kingdom, with its headquarters located in Portsmouth, England. This geographic spread allows it to present different facets of naval history, including surface fleets, naval aviation, submarines and naval munitions, while maintaining a unified approach to collections care and visitor services. As a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, its governance is overseen by a board of trustees that sets strategic direction and ensures financial accountability. Funding comes from a blend of public sector contributions, notably from the Ministry of Defence, and private sources such as grants, donations and revenue from retail and hospitality operations. The museum’s specialist focus on naval heritage gives it a distinct role within the UK cultural sector as the principal custodian of the Royal Navy’s material legacy. In November 2024 the institution experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted digital services across its six sites, prompting a coordinated response involving its IT provider, law enforcement, the Royal Navy and the National Cyber Security Centre to investigate the incident and restore operations. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with the museum emphasizing the complexity of resolving such issues and requesting patience from visitors and partners.