Entrance is free. There is a lift. And occasionally a few steps from one wing to another.
Several great works of art. Some work from Monet that I hadn’t seen before. Also, Picasso’s sunflowers and Surat. Vermeer’s famous piece.
NOTE: Sunflowers are currently on loan to Philadelphia until October 2026!
If you need to sit once in awhile and are experiencing the benches are always full, make sure to pick up a foldable seat to carry with you! They are located at the entrance of the wings.
There is a statue of George Washington in the front of the building on Trafalgar Square. The base of the statue has American soil from Virginia in it.
A must see gallery for art lovers!
Great collections of world-famous paintings from different periods (Caravaggio, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Monet, Renoir, Sorolla, Picasso, Raphael, Van Gogh...)
The museum has permanent galleries which are free to enter, for temporary exhibitions you have to buy ticket.
Galleries are so well organized, you can spend simply hours here, it's huge, there are seating areas to give a break which you may need, restrooms are clean, there are restaurants, bars and cafés within the museum.
One of our favourite places in London. We enjoy wandering through the galleries, taking in the beauty, creativity and extraordinary range of artistic talent on display. The collection is remarkable, spanning different periods, styles and cultures, with something new to discover on every visit.
We have occasionally used the audio guides, which provide helpful background and context. However, I have sometimes found that the narrators miss the intended meaning behind certain works, particularly religious paintings, where the Gospel message or biblical context is not always fully understood or accurately interpreted.
Even so, the National Gallery remains a wonderful place to spend a few hours, whether you are an art enthusiast or simply appreciate beauty, history and human creativity.
I absolutely loved this museum. Everything is organized so thoughtfully: there is enough space around the famous artworks, and even on a Sunday afternoon it didn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded. You can calmly stand in front of the paintings, see the brushstrokes, and truly enjoy the art.
I also really appreciated the lighting. It is arranged so well that on most paintings you barely notice any reflections from the protective glass.
I originally came to see Water-Lilies, but I ended up completely captivated by
The Execution of Lady Jane Grey
and even started crying. 💔 This painting gives you chills. Especially when you realize that it portrays a 17-year-old girl just moments before her execution.
Please take a moment to read a little about her story and spend some time in front of the painting. You will feel so many emotions. 🥀
Here’s a polished review you can use for the National Gallery, London, based on your National Gallery, London - A Must Visit for Art & History Lovers .
Seeing centuries of art and history in one place is incredible. The collection is full of beautiful paintings and there’s so much interesting artwork to take in, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh. Stubbs’ Whistlejacket his portrait of a horse is absolutely stunning in person.
The gallery is well set up for a full day out. There are cafes to recharge and plenty of places to rest as you walk around. You can book a guide if you want more context, or just wander at your own pace.
Admission is Free for the main collection. Special exhibitions may charge. You can pre-book tickets or pay on the day.
Families-The Roden Centre for Creative Learning runs family activities, and sketching your own portrait is great fun for all ages.
Accessibility- Disabled friendly and easy to get around.
Whether you’re there to study the Old Masters or just soak in the beauty, it’s a calm, inspiring space. Highly recommend.
