National Gallery London
You will definitely want to visit the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery during your vacation in London
Founded in 1824, the National Gallery in London features a great collection of over 2300 Western European paintings which date as far back as the middle of the 13th century.
The National Gallery began with a collection of paintings purchased by the British government from the estate of art patron John Julius Angerstein. At that time the collection was located in his former townhouse on Pall Mall. The collection outgrew this location and was moved to the current location at Trafalgar Square in 1838. Over the years several wings have been added to the gallery to keep up with the growing collection.
Adjoining the National Gallery is the National Portrait Gallery where visitors can view portraits of famous and historically significant people of Great Britain. This gallery opened in 1856 and was relocated to it's present location at Trafalgar Square in 1896. Over the years the gallery has had two expansions. The Portrait Gallery also features the Portrait Restaurant offering Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with views of the surrounding area.
The permanent collections of art in both Galleries belong to the people of the United Kingdom and therefore admission is free with the exception of any special rotating exhibits.
The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and until 9 pm on Friday (Thursday and Friday for the Portrait Gallery) except on December 24-26th.
For more information about the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery as well as exhibitions and hours visit their official website links below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoNational Gallery London Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, UK
Phone: 020 7747 2885
Official Website: National Gallery London
National Gallery London Reviews
Rated
out of 5 I love it!
Amazing gallery to learn more about British history, full with beautiful paintings and portraits.
The architecture is wonderful too and it’s free 😄
You only pay for some special exhibitions and you can have guided tours for free
sarra arfaoui - in the last week
Absolutely worth it! The building itself is amazing with a stunning interior design. If you are an art enthusiast, then the art work here is a must! Great collection of paintings from the best art pieces throughout the centuries. Highly recommended.
As for always British museums, this one is also free.
Elena - 2 months ago
Worth a visit if you are an art lover- some beautiful pieces from many famous artists such as Van Gogh and Monet. Can definitely get busy in rooms with the more famous paintings, some patience was required to be able to view and admire some but definitely worth the wait!
Lucy Benoist - a week ago
Super super super recommended! Arm yourself with comfortable shoes and clothes because it will take between 3 and 4 hours, but make sure you make time for this incredible gallery! So well organised, so full of beauty and such lovely staff!
Elisabetta Borzini - in the last week
It is a beautiful place full of precious pieces of art. And best of all, it’s free. It is very worthwhile for you to book a shift, or just over 4 hours to be able to enjoy everything that the National Gallery has to offer. Don’t pass quickly, but admire each painting, every story and every room, because yes, the building is a masterpiece apart.
Jeferson Kozenieski Couto - 3 months ago
Directions
Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Northern and Piccadilly Lines | Leicester Square | 3 Minutes |
Bakerloo Line | Charing Cross | 4 Minutes |
District and Circle Lines | Embankment | 8 Minutes |
How to get to National Gallery London by Tube
From Leicester Square Station walk south along Charing Cross Road.
From Charing Cross Station take the Trafalgar Square Exit.
From Embankment Station head northwest along Villiers Street then left on Strand and slight right on Duncannon Street.
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