What Visitors Say
The world’s greatest painting gallery. All of the great masters are here, represented most often by a stone cold masterpiece—Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus, Titian’s Poesie, Veronese’s Darius Before Alexander, Parmigianino’s Vision of St Jerome, del Piombo’s Lazarus… it just goes on and on and on, in the best possible way. Equally as impressive as the paintings is the ease in which everyone waltzes in and out of the museum, which is always free. The relaxed, casual, open and friendly atmosphere sets it apart from most other museums—it feels like you’re wandering about a giant living room filled with centuries of exquisite art. The recent rehang of the paintings is a smashing success, and the newly refurbished Sainsbury Wing now offers more space and updated facilities. An unparalleled immersive experience in the river of European painting. Unmissable.
Highly recommend Fiona Alderton’s International Women’s Day tour. It was phenomenal. She is an amazing educator and guide, and she brings so much insight to the works she discusses. One striking point she highlights is that only 29 of the 2,400 paintings in the gallery are by women, which feels quite shocking given that we are now in 2026 and there is clearly room for the gallery to acquire more work by female artists. Fiona does an incredible job telling the stories behind the pieces and drawing attention to these artists. She is a real asset to the gallery and made the tour engaging, thoughtful, and very memorable.
The National Gallery in London is an extraordinary place where centuries of European art come together in a calm and inspiring atmosphere. Founded in 1824 and located in Trafalgar Square, the museum houses masterpieces by artists such as Van Gogh, da Vinci, Turner, and Rembrandt. The layout is easy to follow, the lighting beautifully highlights the paintings, and entry is free, making it accessible to everyone. Walking through its rooms feels like traveling across time and artistic movements. A must-visit cultural landmark for anyone who appreciates history, creativity, and timeless beauty in the heart of London. Recommending
It’s hard to believe but this amazing place is free to visit! There is so much here to see and the collections are beautifully displayed in galleries flooded with light. I visited on a sunny February lunchtime and it was quite busy. It is somewhere to be visited many times as there is so much to see. I loved the enthusiasm of the many Italian students who were very taken with the large painting of the beheaded St John the Baptist.
The National Gallery is my favorite place in the world. Located in the iconic Trafalgar Square, it is a true sanctuary for art lovers. The permanent collection is free and absolutely exquisite; you can find masterpieces by Da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, and Velázquez. A major highlight is seeing Van Gogh’s Sunflowers up close—it’s a breathtaking experience! I could spend hours lost in its halls. Even the special paid exhibitions are 100% worth it. Whether you are an art expert or a first-time visitor, this is an essential stop in London. Simply unparalleled!
Highlights
Sunflowers
Van Gogh’s blazing still lifePainted in 1888, this version of Sunflowers was created in Arles to decorate Gauguin’s room and celebrate friendship through radiant colour.
Room 43
Arnolfini Portrait
Van Eyck’s 1434 masterpieceMinute brushwork records every thread and reflection; the tiny convex mirror shows two witnesses and a signature above it.
Room 56
Fighting Temeraire
Turner on change and memoryIn 1839 Turner painted an ageing warship towed to scrapyard, a farewell to sail in the age of steam and smoke.
Room 34
Virgin of the Rocks
Leonardo’s mysterious landscapePainted in the late 1400s, the London version shows soft light, strange rocks and gestures that guide your eye in a triangle.
Room 66
The Hay Wain
Constable’s English countrysideExhibited in 1821, this rural scene mixes careful sky studies with on-the-spot observation of Suffolk’s fields and water.
Room 34
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
The National Gallery began in 1824 with 38 paintings bought from John Julius Angerstein’s collection.
Today the collection numbers over 2,300 paintings dating from the 1200s to 1900.
The Sainsbury Wing opened in 1991 to display early Renaissance works and is undergoing major refurbishment.
Van Gogh painted several Sunflowers; the London version dates to 1888 during his Arles period.
Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire was voted ‘Britain’s favourite painting’ in a 2005 BBC poll.
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