National Gallery London
You will definitely want to visit the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery during your vacation in London
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: NoNational 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 out of 5
The National Gallery is an incredibly clean and well-maintained museum, offering a wide array of must-see artworks. From Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist gems, the collection is truly impressive. It’s a place where you can easily spend hours exploring the rich history of art. If you’re visiting London, this museum should definitely be on your list of things not to miss. The experience of seeing these iconic pieces up close is unforgettable, making it a highlight of any trip to the city. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the National Gallery offers something for everyone.
Fatma Tandogan Yildiz - 2 months ago
The perfect spot to spend a rainy day in London. The architecture is stunning and the art is inspiring. It is a bit of walking, but there are two cafés downstairs when you need a pick me up.
All staff was respectful and helpful during our visit.
Sarah F - a week ago
It's the national gallery. Probably one of the best galleries in the world. It has some amazingly fantastic pieces from the best artists in the world. Of course it gets busy because everyone wants to see what's on show, nothing they can do about it, you've just got to join the masses. My personal highlight will always be Van Gogh. It's also good to check what special exhibitions they have.
Michael C - a week ago
We visited on a Sunday at 10:30 AM and were pleasantly surprised that there was no wait time at all. For just £2, you can store your coat in the cloakroom, making the visit more comfortable. The gift shop also offers a lovely selection of items.
What’s great is that the gallery is compact, with only 1.5 floors to explore. It’s perfect if you want a shorter visit, as you can easily see everything without needing a full day—unless, of course, you wish to dive deeper into reading about the paintings.
Margarita Morales - a month ago
Beautiful museum in Piccadilly central. General entrance is free, thus, the line when entering. Not too bad though, moves pretty fast. And you usually pay extra if you want to see exhibitions. Overall, a great experience seeing original artworks from great artists.
Carlo - a month ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern and Piccadilly Lines | Leicester Square | 3 Minutes |
| Bakerloo Line | Charing Cross | 4 Minutes |
| District and Circle Lines | Embankment | 8 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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Photo Gallery
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Inside the National Portrait Gallery of London cc licensed photo by David Holt -
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