The National Gallery in London unlocks the story of each picture and canvas. The gallery has grown from less than 40 paintings in 1824, to over 2,300 today.
What is the National Gallery in London? The home for some of the greatest art ever produced, laid out across galleries, including paintings from Van Gough to John Constable and hundreds more.
Very few visitors to the National Gallery in London leave without gazing at Sunflowers, painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1888. Constable’s Haywain is also a popular choice for all ages.
10 Top Paintings at the National Gallery, London
- Sunflowers (Vincent van Gogh)
- The Stonemason’s Yard (Canaletto)
- Mars and Venus (Sandro Botticelli)
- Virgin of the Rocks (Leonardo da Vinci)
- A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal (Johannes Vermeer)
- Self Portrait at the Age of 34 (Rembrandt)
- The Hay Wain (John Constable)
- Madonna of the Pinks (Raphael)
- Whistlejacket (George Stubbs)
- Mr. and Mrs. Andrews (Thomas Gainsborough)
All About The National Gallery
| NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON | |
|---|---|
| KIDS FRIENDLY? | Yes, age 5+ |
| HOURS | 10am to 6pm daily, 9pm on Friday |
| LOCATION | Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN |
| WHAT'S THERE | Many of the world's greatest paintings |
| UNDERGROUND | Charing Cross (Bakerloo, Northern) Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly) |
| BUS | Trafalgar Square |
| TRAIN | Charing Cross |
| VISIT TIME | Allow up to three hours |
| ENTRY COST | Free, except for special visiting collections |
| GUIDED TOURS | Available twice a day, three times on Friday |
| SELFIE TIME | Almost anywhere, unless stated |
| QUEUE JUMPING | Just take your pace in the queue |
| WHEELCHAIRS | All floors accessible. Wheelchairs available for loan |
| FACILITIES | Cafe, Shop, Toilets |
Is It Just a Few Daubs?
Far from it! The collection at the National Gallery is perhaps the best art collection in the world.
The collection is mostly on permanent display, with each picture having a brief printed explanation describing what you are seeing and when it was created. The period covered is from late-medieval times, through to the early 20th century, in the Western European style.
The building itself was started in 1833, with initial completion five years later, in 1838. Since then the National Gallery was enlarged, with a dome built in 1876 and a new Sainsbury wing in the early 1990s.
Divided into many galleries and rooms, each with a theme, there are three recommended routes. Each takes in parts of the building, some short, others longer. Of course, many visitors wander at leisure, perhaps looking for a specific painting, or just taking random turns.
The galleries are laid out in order, with the earliest works first (1200-1500), through to the most recent (1700-1930). There is also a gallery on the lower floor, which depicts lesser-known paintings.
You can stand very close to most of the paintings, as few are protected by glass or barriers. There are plenty of seats, where you can both rest and take in the beauty of an individual artists’ work.
Many of the most famous artists and paintings are displayed at the National Gallery. Keep an eye out for the giants, Botticelli, van Gogh, Da Vinci, Monet, Valazquez, Constable, and dozens of others. Some visitors to the gallery spend days studying individual pictures and have their favouries. The majority of visitors to London and the National Gallery spend up to three hours.
Entry to the main collection is free and donations are invited. Certain visiting collections attract an entry fee.
There is a lot of walking, so do wear comfortable shoes.
What is There for Children to Do?
The National Gallery is a place of wonder for children of all ages. You’ll see school groups sitting crossed-legged on the floor in front of a picture, with a guide explaining what they are seeing, in words they can understand.
Selfies and Pictures
You may take pictures in the National Gallery for personal use only. There are a few exhibits where photography is not permitted, usually copyright items and loaned paintings and each is marked.
Food and Drink
There is a cafe on level zero, serving sandwiches, packaged meals and snacks, salads, plus cake, and drinks. Eating or drinking is not allowed elsewhere in the gallery.
Disabled Facilities
All galleries at the National Gallery are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are lifts available between floors. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the main entrance on level zero.
How to get to the National Gallery in London
The National Gallery is on the north side of Trafalgar Square. Charing Cross is the closest main rail and underground station. Leicester Square underground is also close by. Many buses serve the area around Trafalgar Square.
WHAT IS CLOSE TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY?
National Portrait Gallery
Leicester Square
St. Martin in the Fields
Trafalgar Square
* Entry costs are an indication and may change.