THE UK’s most famous observatory will soon close for two years for a massive renovation project.

Royal Greenwich Observatory in dates back 350 years and will close for two years on November 2 to undergo a £77million upgrade.

Illustration of the Royal Observatory's transformation project, First Light, with new galleries, architecture, and improved access.Royal Greenwich Observatory in London dates back 350 years Credit: Jamie Fobert Architects Illustration of visitors exploring interactive exhibits at the Royal Observatory.And soon it will get a £77million makeover Credit: Jamie Fobert Architects

The project, dubbed ‘First Light’, “will bring the story of this historic site to life”, according to the as well as “give everyone the chance to experience the wonders of space and time for themselves”.

The Observatory will be home to new galleries, refreshed displays, innovative , as well as improved access for visitors.

As part of the project, there will be a new visitor centre which will be “the jewel in the crown of Greenwich’s

Inside the pavilion, there will be a gateway to the rest of the site, which will also have improved access overall, including full accessibility to the Great Equatorial Telescope for the first time.

There will be new galleries too, in which visitors can explore observation and scientific work that took place at the Observatory.

And there will be new, interactive astronomer galleries, ideal for kids who want to become scientists themselves.

They will explore the fundamentals of astronomy: Light, Matter and Motion.

Many of the existing displays at thewill get a refresh including John Harrison’s timekeepers and instruments used for the Prime Meridian line itself.

Aerial view of the Royal Observatory Greenwich at sunset, with a golden glow over London in the distance.The Observatory will close for works in November Credit: Getty Illustration of visitors entering the Royal Observatory Greenwich through a modern entrance structure.Works are then expected to be complete by 2028 Credit: Jamie Fobert Architects Illustration of a cutaway view of the Royal Observatory with people inside and a large telescope in the dome.The upgraded Observatory will feature new galleries and live science shows Credit: Jamie Fobert Architects Collage of travel items including a plane, sunscreen, passport, suitcase, and plane tickets, advertising The Sun's travel Instagram account.

Visitors can meet astronomers and scientists as well, in the ‘Astronomers’ Court’, with events including live shows.

Outside the Observatory, will get new landscaping as well as plants.

The First Light project already began in autumn last year and it is set to be complete by spring 2028

The Royal Observatory will close on November 2, 2026 but parts of the attraction such as the Meridian Courtyard, are expected to reopen in summer 2027.