UK Travel Guide

Galleries

National Gallery

Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is generally considered to be one of the best art galleries in the world. It houses some 2000 paintings of mainly European origin ranging from the mid-13th century through to early 20th century. The National Gallery was in fact built about 1832 to store the Angerstein Collection which comprised about 34 pieces bought by the government in 1824. In the late 19th century the building was extended and further additions named the Sainsbury wing were made in 1991. This area today contains an excellent collection of early Renaissance works. Among the paintings found here one can see work done by Botticelli, Monet, da Vinci, Rubens, Rembrandt, Renoir to name but a few. Until September 30th 2000 there is a free Artbus running every 30 minutes between the National Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain. The quietest times to visit are early week-day morning or late night Wednesday. Although entry to the permanent collection is free, there may be a charge for entry to some exhibitions.

Located at: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2

Telephone: 020 7839 3321

Opens: Daily 10am to 6pm, Wednesday 10am to 9pm

Cost: Free

Closest Subway Station: Charing Cross Station (Click to see more atrraction at this station)