National Gallery London

You will definitely want to visit the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery during your vacation in London

Entrance to the National Gallery at dusk
Entrance to the National Gallery at dusk cc licensed photo by ** Maurice **

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: No

National 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 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The world’s greatest painting gallery. All of the great masters are here, represented most often by a stone cold masterpiece—Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus, Titian’s Poesie, Veronese’s Darius Before Alexander, Parmigianino’s Vision of St Jerome, del Piombo’s Lazarus… it just goes on and on and on, in the best possible way. Equally as impressive as the paintings is the ease in which everyone waltzes in and out of the museum, which is always free. The relaxed, casual, open and friendly atmosphere sets it apart from most other museums—it feels like you’re wandering about a giant living room filled with centuries of exquisite art. The recent rehang of the paintings is a smashing success, and the newly refurbished Sainsbury Wing now offers more space and updated facilities. An unparalleled immersive experience in the river of European painting. Unmissable.
Nathan Eddy - 4 months ago

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4 Star Rating Highly recommend Fiona Alderton’s International Women’s Day tour. It was phenomenal. She is an amazing educator and guide, and she brings so much insight to the works she discusses. One striking point she highlights is that only 29 of the 2,400 paintings in the gallery are by women, which feels quite shocking given that we are now in 2026 and there is clearly room for the gallery to acquire more work by female artists. Fiona does an incredible job telling the stories behind the pieces and drawing attention to these artists. She is a real asset to the gallery and made the tour engaging, thoughtful, and very memorable.
AB - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating The National Gallery in London is an extraordinary place where centuries of European art come together in a calm and inspiring atmosphere. Founded in 1824 and located in Trafalgar Square, the museum houses masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Turner, and Rembrandt. The layout is easy to follow, the lighting beautifully highlights the paintings, and entry is free, making it accessible to everyone. Walking through its rooms feels like traveling across time and artistic movements. A must-visit cultural landmark for anyone who appreciates history, creativity, and timeless beauty in the heart of London. Recommending
Murat Kurnaz - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating It’s hard to believe but this amazing place is free to visit! There is so much here to see and the collections are beautifully displayed in galleries flooded with light. I visited on a sunny February lunchtime and it was quite busy. It is somewhere to be visited many times as there is so much to see. I loved the enthusiasm of the many Italian students who were very taken with the large painting of the beheaded St John the Baptist.
Anne Marie Stagg - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating The National Gallery is my favorite place in the world. Located in the iconic Trafalgar Square, it is a true sanctuary for art lovers. The permanent collection is free and absolutely exquisite; you can find masterpieces by Da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, and Velázquez. A major highlight is seeing Van Gogh’s Sunflowers up close—it’s a breathtaking experience! I could spend hours lost in its halls. Even the special paid exhibitions are 100% worth it. Whether you are an art expert or a first-time visitor, this is an essential stop in London. Simply unparalleled!
Angela M. Santander M. - 3 months ago

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Northern and Piccadilly LinesLeicester Square3 Minutes
Bakerloo LineCharing Cross4 Minutes
District and Circle LinesEmbankment8 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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