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
Amazing paintings from all around the world. This museum is suitable for art lovers, has a variety of paintings from different periods and techniques. If you are like me and don't want to skip a thing, it might take up to 2,5-3 hours to visit. Otherwise, you can focus on the rooms you prefer the most since the museum is open and free and you can enjoy a second round another time to fully enjoy the masterpieces inside. Absolutely suggested! Kids might be more fascinated by other interactive museums. The location in Trafalgar Square is magnificent and easy to reach via public transport. Despite an apparent long queue, I managed to access the building within 15-20 minutes which is reasonable on a Sunday!
Alessandra Zonta - 3 weeks ago
Beautiful sights! We arrived at 1:02 We waited in line around 50 meters long, it took about 25 minutes, it went quick! Post Covid no need to sign up to get a time online, just get in line. They checked my watercolor paints and water at coat check which was easy and quick. Great gallery with world class works, good seating throughout and nice shop.
Sheila Eustace - 2 weeks ago
A thing of beauty! My admiration and respect to all the artists grew even larger seeing their actual works in full display. Never in my wildest dreams did I think of seeing such great works of art in a gallery full of prominent artists. I enjoyed each color, stroke, style, era, message, and soul of each artwork. It’s as if the artist was right there with me as I stop from one frame to the other. A day is not enough to see and enjoy EVERYTHING in here!
I just feel so blessed and happy seeing all of these for the first time.
Do not be intimidated by the long line. Get into it and before you know it, you’re entering a place that will bring joy to your being!
Ian Pangan - 2 weeks ago
Just fantastic visit! One of my favourite museums to visit. Beautiful art and easy to enjoy. Will be back soon. Also, no tickets required - it is free.
Sylvia Z. - in the last week
Fantastic gallery which takes multiple visits to fully appreciate. If visiting for Van Gogh then tickets required - we booked for the opening slot (10am) and was magical to explore all the rooms almost empty. Also has some nice gift shops and cafe’s. There are also endless rooms of other art which is incredibly relaxing - and you can take in as much or as little as you like
Harry F - 4 weeks 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near National Gallery London:
Photo Gallery
-
Inside the National Portrait Gallery of London cc licensed photo by David Holt -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: terencechisholm - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: stusmith_uk - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: stusmith_uk - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: George M. Groutas - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Karva Javi - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pavlinajane - cc license via Flickr
Video
Please provide consent and/or disable ad blocker to view the video.
