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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating Wonderful and mostly free gallery that’s open until 21:00 on some nights, which is amazing as the art world usually shuts around 17:00! Huge space so you can easily spend hours here but there are many sofas and comfortable areas to relax. A real gem amongst the major galleries of London and outs the NPG to shame. Get there early or book a ticket in advance to skip the queue, which isn’t usually too long tho.
Caïna Verrin - in the last week

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5 Star Rating This has been the best art gallery I've ever seen. The collection of works is astonishing. Loads of famous and influencial artists. We spent several hours here seeing each piece. Definitely one of our favorite places in London.
Jason Fair (Nomadic Nerd Project) - a week ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - a month ago

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5 Star Rating 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 - a month ago

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5 Star Rating For trip through art history, there are few places with such a wealth of works to see. My favourite galleries are the Impressionists and what a treat to sit and look at beautiful works of Renoir or Cezanne, and most other famous artists. There are many benches to sit and view, or just walk past these amazing works.
Douglas Grace - 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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