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 I can say that I love this museum. Seeing such a collection of paintings for free is just amazing nowadays. There are beautiful paintings in every room. I could spend a day to visit it. Just do not forged taking a map at the entrance as this is a pretty large museum. French, Spanish, Italian, English, Deutsche… painters from middle age to impressionists. A pretty large collection of Impressionists paintings that can rival with that of Musée d’Orsay in France. Only the Louvre in France is more impressive (but far from being free) among all painting museums that I visited all other the world (with a special notice for Grenoble and Poitier’s painting museum that are great place to visit too).
frederic renoux - in the last week

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5 Star Rating I visited the National Gallery today and absolutely loved it. It’s an absolute must visit place when in London, and you can spend hours wandering from room to room, never running out of things to look at. One of the highlights for me was seeing some of Monet’s pieces in person, a moment I’ve been looking forward to for so long. Standing in front of his work felt surreal, and it was worth the entire trip on its own. I highly recommend paying the galley a visit, especially because it’s free entry!
Chantelle - in the last week

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5 Star Rating The problem with the National Gallery is that there is too much to take in during just one visit. Had we lived closer to London, we would have come once a week and spend time in just one room, to really appreciate the paintings and read the description. But it is a privilege to be able to visit, and it is free. One must not forget to have a good look around the building, with its beautiful interior and decorative ceilings. What is not to like?
T Hartberg - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating A very spacious series of galleries housing some of the best known images in the international art world. With a restaurant and toilets and plenty of friendly guides you can easily spend a day here, or just pop in and revisit your favourites. It may look daunting from the outside but the new entrance makes the whole place accessible for anyone. Children of any age will find something to look at and many school trips visit and no they don't disturb the 'grown ups'! A teashop, restaurant, bookshop and well stocked shop make this a day, or two to remember.
Nigel Huxtable - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating A beautiful and inspiring place. The collection is world-class — from Renaissance masters to Impressionists — and it’s amazing that entry is free. The galleries are spacious and well organized, with helpful information about each painting. I also appreciated the quiet spots where you can just sit and enjoy the art. It can get busy in popular rooms, but overall it’s an unforgettable visit for any art lover.
Tippapai M - 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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