Get Closer To 'London's Sistine Chapel' At The Old Royal Naval College

A new restoration project of the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College (ONRC) in London gives visitors the chance to climb almost 100ft up to see its decorated ceiling.

The 300-year-old ceiling that was once the centrepiece of a home for naval veterans is now undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration.

The Old Naval College in Greenwich has spent a long time fundraising for the ambitious project.

Created between 1707 and 1726, the Painted Hall is known as "London's Sistine Chapel" and was executed by Sir James Thornhill.

The British artist included allegorical, mythological, historical and contemporary characters, with a cast of around 200 figures.

The composition covers 40,000 square feet and focuses on Britain's naval achievements across the globe at the time.

It took almost two years to finish. At the time it was the centre of a new royal hospital for men injured in service with the Royal Navy. 

It was only later on that the site became the Royal Naval College, an officers' training academy.

The restoration will take around two years and is expected to be completed by 2019.

Photo courtesy of Depthcharge101 and ORNC