Visiting the National Gallery in London
The National Gallery is located right on Trafalgar Square in London. It houses approximately 2,300 Western European paintings dating from 1250 to 1900.
A brief history
The National Gallery began as a project by King George IV, who wanted to establish an art museum in London that could rival the Louvre in Paris. The museum opened its doors in 1824, starting with a collection of about 30 paintings purchased from the estate of the banker and collector John Julius Angerstein. This initial group featured Italian, Dutch, and English works. Over time, the collection grew through acquisitions, bequests, and donations. It expanded to include pieces from the Italian Renaissance, as well as works by British, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Flemish painters from the 15th through the 19th centuries. Today, the National Gallery is considered to hold one of the finest collections of old master paintings in the world.
The largest art museum in England
The National Gallery is home to several famous paintings, including:
- Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh
- Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh
- The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci
- The Madonna of the Pinks by Raphael
- The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio
- The Rokeby Venus by Velazquez
The museum also presents works from the Italian Renaissance by artists such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Uccello, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, and Veronese. The National Portrait Gallery, located just behind the main building, is an area dedicated exclusively to portraits. You will find a mix of paintings, photographs, caricatures, and sculptures there.
An wing built at the end of the 20th century, known as the Sainsbury Wing, is dedicated to early Renaissance art. The atmosphere inside is distinct, featuring gray stone walls and light hardwood floors. These materials provide a sharp contrast to the bolder tones of the 19th-century galleries, which feature more varied and colorful wall hangings.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
The National Gallery was a wonderful surprise. Admission is free (voluntary donation), which makes it easy to pop in, even for a spontaneous visit. I really liked the atmosphere of the place, which was quieter than I expected, and the richness of the paintings on display. You can easily lose yourself there for a while without noticing the time passing. It is a museum that I found particularly pleasant to visit!