National Maritime Museum Museums

The 1.35 million visits recorded this year for the first time places the Museum among the top ten visitor attractions in Britain, with Grant-in-Aid per user now at its lowest-ever figure of £2.55 per head (from £3.53 last year). This year's Tintin exhibition has drawn in an increased proportion of children (let alone a dedicated adult fan-club) while that on William Hodges, 'Captain Cook's painter' has catered for the art lover and been the focus of much specialist interest. 2004 sees the start of enabling works for 'Time and Space', the project to redevelop the South Building at the Royal Observatory and build a new 120-seat planetarium beside it. The 'Universal Appeal' to complete the fundraising is going well under an enthusiastic appeal committee to whom our thanks. £4 million is still needed to make up the £15 million required and there are still openings for high-profile supporter opportunities.

We look forward to 2005, the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar. At Greenwich this will be celebrated with Nelson & Napoleon, a worthy successor to 2003's successful Elizabeth exhibition. However, there will be something for everyone throughout the country, with SeaBritain 2005 and the Trafalgar Festival as national programmes celebrating not just Trafalgar but the maritime dimension of British life more generally. In all these endeavours, past and in prospect, we owe thanks to the Museum's staff, its individual and corporate Friends, and all our other partners, sponsors and donors for their continuing support