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 One of the best art gallery’s in the world. Amazing artwork, logically presented in a beautiful building. All that for free. Just walk on in and enjoy. I have never had a problem with crowds even in the holidays. Obviously some of the most popular pieces have small crowds but never a problem. Highly highly recommend.
jeff martin - 4 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating I have visited it multiple times after the reopening of the Sainsbury wing, and very happy to meet all the old friends again. They are experimenting a theme-based curating exhibition, but most rooms are still in chronological and geographical order, so it's easy to navigate in the gallery. Last year you had to queue at the front central entrance but now with the reopening it took less than a minute to enter the gallery through the new entrance. Most important of all, they have now more exhibition space and you can really see every European master's works in one site. I really like the exhibition of Charles I collection, which displays some of the paintings that were in the king's possession.
陳北辰 Артур - a week ago

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5 Star Rating It appeared to stretch for miles. The National Gallery is simply enormous. This is my fourth visit. The art pieces are magnificent, beautifully displayed, and arranged in roomy galleries. While some places are remarkably calm, others get very busy. From the exterior, the structure appears grand and spacious, but within, some of the rooms are exquisitely designed and embellished, almost like works of art. With all of the great artists on exhibit, the artwork is stunning. It's nice to see some well-known pieces in their original form. It is a genuine national asset, and admission is free. There are restrooms available.
Babji Vundavilli - 4 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating I had an absolutely wonderful experience at the National Gallery. The collection is outstanding, featuring masterpieces that span centuries, and there’s a sense of depth and diversity that keeps you discovering something new every visit. The gallery is well-organized and thoughtfully laid out, making it easy to navigate without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Despite being a major attraction, it never felt overcrowded, which allowed me to truly immerse myself in the art.
Charlotte - a week ago

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5 Star Rating An incomparable collection of artistic masterpieces, sympathetically displayed in light and airy galleries, with informative descriptive panels. The staff are well-informed, friendly and helpful. The Gallery as a whole seems to cope with large numbers of visitors with ease (so much better than other museums and galleries in London), and with no detriment to the visitor experience. It was a pleasure to return after not visiting for a while. You can get an overview of Art history, focus on a particular time period, style or artist, or just immerse yourself in your favourite painting (or discover a new one).
Mark Richards - a month 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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