National Gallery
5 minutes readThe National Gallery in London is one of the world's most renowned art museums, showcasing an excellent collection of over 2,300 paintings from various periods and styles. Nestled in the heart of London's Trafalgar Square, this prestigious institution is home to countless masterpieces spanning centuries of artistic achievement, from the Middle Ages through to the end of the 19th Century. Visitors are provided with an unrivalled opportunity to delve into the world of art and be acquainted with works of legendary artists such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Botticelli, Constable, Renoir, Titian, and Turner. This historic gallery remains a testament to the evolution of creativity and the enduring love for artistic expression.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the National Gallery with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, London, opened its doors in 1824. The gallery came to be as a result of Parliament's acquisition of 36 paintings from the private collection of insurance broker and patron of the arts, John Julius Angerstein. The premises of Angerstein's former residence at No. 100 Pall Mall was appropriated to house the gallery, thus marking the beginning of a rich history filled with an appreciation for artistic excellence.
In its early days, the National Gallery faced controversies surrounding its location, as art critics and the public found its Pall Mall premises inadequate for staging exhibitions. In response to these concerns, a new building was constructed between 1832 and 1838 in Trafalgar Square, designed by architect William Wilkins. This marked a pivotal development in the institution's history and allowed an exponential expansion of the collection.
During World War II, a large proportion of the gallery's collection was relocated to protect it from destruction during the Blitz. The paintings were initially moved to a quarry in Wales, before finally being housed in a manor in Gloucestershire. Despite the gallery being hit multiple times during air raids, it remained open to the public who were given the chance to see a different masterpiece, brought back from the protective storage, each month.
Over its history, the National Gallery has significantly expanded its collection, currently comprising of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to the early 20th century. These acquisitions and donations have been made possible due to the generous contributions from art patrons and private collectors. Today, the gallery remains a symbol of national pride, cultural heritage, and artistic prowess, hosting masterpieces from artists such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, and Vermeer.
One reason to visit
The Arnolfini Portrait
The Arnolfini Portrait is an outstanding reason to visit the National Gallery in London. This painting by Jan van Eyck is an early example of oil painting where the artists keen interest in naturalistic effects of light is visible. The intricate details in this masterpiece, from the playful dog at the couples feet to the elaborate chandelier hanging from the ceiling, are a testament to Van Eycks mastery in painting technique. This painting is also surrounded by a mystery about whether its a simple marriage portrayal or a memorial painting. Its many interpretations add intriguing layers to this painting, making it a significant historical piece that any art enthusiast would appreciate.
Getting there
Assuming that you start from Trafalgar Square, start by heading southwest towards Whitehall/SW1A. Turn left onto Whitehall/SW1A and walk for about 180 ft, then turn right onto The Mall/A4. After 0.1 miles, make a U-turn at Cockspur St/A4 and the National Gallery will be on your right. If you want to take a bus, you can take the bus numbers 11, 24, 29, 91, 159, 176, N11, N15, N20, N21, N26, or N29, which all have a stop at Trafalgar Square.
Starting from King's Cross Station, cycle south on York Way, heading towards B300. Towards the end of the road, turn right onto Pentonville Road/B501 before turning left onto King's Cross Bridge/B501. Continue on the B501 then turn right onto Rosebery Avenue/B502. Turn left onto Vernon Place and continue onto Bloomsbury Square before following Great Russell Street/A40. Finally, turn right onto New Oxford Street/A40 and take the first exit at Cambridge Circus onto Charing Cross Road/A400. The National Gallery will be on your left once you have cycled down the A400 and reached Trafalgar Square.
If you plan to take public transport in London to reach the National Gallery, a good option is the London Underground. The closest station to the gallery is Charing Cross station, which is serviced by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. Upon exiting the station, walk north towards Trafalgar Square. Another option is taking a bus. Most buses from all parts of London will stop at Trafalgar Square, including routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 24, 87, 91, 139 and 176. The museum is located on the North Side of Trafalgar Square.
To reach the National Gallery in London by car, get onto the M4 from the M25 and follow the M4 and A4 to A3212 in London. From there, take the exit toward Hammersmith/Shepherds Bush/White City/Kensington (Central London) from the A4, and continue on A3212. Continue to follow Victoria Embankment and Strand to St. Martin's Pl. The driving distance is approximately 14.5 miles and the estimated time is about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Please note that some roads may be closed for repaving or special events, so it is useful to check a navigation app for real-time updates. You can park your car in the NCP London Shaftesbury. It is open 24/7 and located 0.3 miles from the gallery.
