London is awash with hundreds of museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions. The National Gallery houses one of the most impressive collections of European art in the country and is perfect for a rainy day or cultural weekend. While planning a getaway at one of our hotels in Central London, we urge you to plan a visit to this important art museum using our advice detailed below.
What is the National Gallery in London?
The National Gallery is an art museum dedicated to European art produced during the 13th and 19th centuries as well as pieces from the modern day. It contains work by da Vinci, Monet, and Canaletto.
Is the National Gallery free?
General admission to the National Gallery is free. Special and temporary exhibitions carry a fee. It is best to pre-book tickets as they do sell out, especially for major exhibitions. Use the Wi-Fi at our hotels in Central London to browse what’s on at the National Gallery and purchase tickets.
Where is the National Gallery in London?
The grand building is centrally located in Trafalgar Square, Central London. The closest Tube station is Charing Cross. However, it is also possible to walk there from Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Embankment.
What can you see at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square?
The collection at the National Gallery contains over 2,600 paintings. Highlights include:
- The Virgin on the Rocks and Sunflowers by Leonardo da Vinci
- Venus and Mars by Sando Botticelli
- The Water-lily Pond: Claude Monet
- Bacchus and Ariadne by Titian
- The Stonemason’s Yard by Canaletto
- The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck
- Avenue at Chantilly by Paul Cézanne
- The Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez
- The Fighting Temeraire by J. M. W. Turner
When is the best time to visit the National Gallery?
The National Gallery is open seven days a week with the exception of 24–26 December and 1 January. The exhibitions may be enjoyed at any time of day, any time of year. However, the museum is quieter in the morning. It is a wonderful place to visit during a heat wave or on a rainy day as the facility will shield you from the elements.
Is the National Gallery the same as the National Portrait Gallery?
The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are two distinct museums that are located side by side in Trafalgar Square. While the National Gallery is preoccupied with mediaeval and Renaissance art, the National Portrait Gallery showcases portraits of historical figures and celebrities.
Is photography allowed in the National Gallery?
Unless indicated otherwise, photography for personal and touristic purposes is permitted. Additional lighting, flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not welcome. Sketching is encouraged although visitors are reminded not to obstruct the paintings or any doorways.
Where to stay near the National Gallery, London?
The Central Park hotels in Central London are ideal for an artistic weekend spent at the National Gallery and other institutions. We are positioned near several Tube stations where you can connect to Trafalgar Square.
