Essential Information
| Location | Queen's House |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
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The iconic Armada portrait commemorates the most famous conflict of Elizabeth I's reign – the failed invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in summer 1588.
The painting is on permanent public display in the Queen's Presence Chamber in the Queen’s House, on the site of the original Greenwich Palace – the birthplace of Elizabeth I.
The Armada Portrait summarises the hopes and aspirations of the nationat a watershed moment in history.
The portrait was also designed to be a spectacle offemale power and majesty, carefully calculated to inspire awe and wonder.
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See the Armada Portrait at the Queen's House
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Highlights
Top things to do at the Queen's House
World-famous artworks, captivating architecture and fascinating royal history - don't miss these highlights of the Queen's House in Greenwich
Symbols of the Armada Portrait
Mary Beard, Eunice Olumide, Daniel Lismore and the Pearly Queen of Greenwichuncover the hidden meanings of the Armada Portrait.
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A woman in power
Historian Mary Beard explores how Elizabeth I uses theArmada Portrait toasserther power.
Fashion and colonialism
Supermodel Eunice Olumide explores whatthe Armada Portrait has to say to us now about the costs of luxury.
Gender and identity
Artist Daniel Lismore reveals how Elizabeth I has inspired his own unique look.
Pearls and pageantry
The Pearly Queen of Royal GreenwichGwen Jones shares her admiration for the Virgin Queen.
Delve deeper
Discover more about the Armada Portrait and Elizabeth I
Why are there three versions of the Armada Portrait?
Did you know there are three versions of the 'Armada Portrait' of Elizabeth I? Take a closer look at the different faces of a Queen...
Symbolism in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I
Find out more about the Tudor symbols used in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I and discover what they mean
Queen Elizabeth I facts and myths
Did Elizabeth I have red hair? Was she really a virgin? Sift the facts from the fiction surrounding Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I: fashion and beauty
As the Queen of England and the nations most powerful woman, Elizabeth's taste set the of the 1500s.
Queen Elizabeth I’s speech to the troops at Tilbury
It has become one of the defining speeches in British history - read the words Elizabeth is supposed to have said in full
Saved for the nation
The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I has taken pride of place in the Queen's House since 2017.
The painting had previously been owned by descendants of Sir Francis Drake, but waswas acquired for the nation following a major public appeal and grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Tap the arrows to discover more about the story of the painting.
A public icon
In 2016, the Armada Portrait enteredpublic ownership for the first time in its 425-year-history when it was acquiredby Royal Museums Greenwich.
Restored to former glory
Following the portrait's acquisition, conservators undertook essential work to preserve the portrait's fragile painted surfaces.
Peeling back the layers
During the conservation, paint analysis revealed that the seascapes were likely painted over in the early 18th century, with the original seascapes still hidden underneath.
Discover more
Find out more about our conservation work
Revealing an icon: conserving the ‘Armada portrait’
Discover the conservation story of the Armada Portrait's restoration, from the early research to the finishing touches.
Conservation of an 18th century frame
Mark Seale has been busy preparing this mid-18th century frame for its upcoming display in the Queen's House.
Against the grain: the construction of Tudor panel paintings
What can the back of a painting tell us? Paintings conservator Lucy Odlin sheds some light on the often overlooked underside of Tudor masterpieces.
Shop for gifts inspired by an iconic Queen
Understand the context, creation and significance of the Armada Portrait in our concise guide. Indulge in gifts inspired by its Elizabethan symbolism
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Icons: The Armada Portrait
£12.99 £7.79
This illustrated guide gives an overview of the context, creation and significance of the Portrait, alongside evaluation of Elizabeth’s legacy...
Buy Icons: The Armada Portrait now
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Armillary Sphere
from £35.00
A wondrous decorative ornament inspired by the armillary sphere astronomical instrument. This small scale armillary sphere is just the right size for a desk or shelf...
Buy Armillary Sphere now
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Royal Greenwich: A History in Kings and Queens by Pieter van der Merwe
£20.00
Discover the rich royal history of the area where Henry VIII builthis first tournament ground, Elizabeth I took daily walks in the Park, and where Charles II raced early royal yachts against his brother...
Buy Royal Greenwich: A History in Kings and Queens by Pieter van der Merwe now
