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National Gallery

ArtClosed · Opens 10amFreeCharing Cross

The National Gallery houses over 2,300 paintings spanning from the 13th century to the early 20th. Van Gogh's Sunflowers, da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks, Velázquez's Rokeby Venus — the highlights reel reads like a textbook of Western art history. The Sainsbury Wing houses the oldest works in glorious natural light. Friday evenings are wonderfully quiet compared to the weekend crush.

What's On

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Mon10:00–18:00
Tue10:00–18:00
Wed10:00–18:00
Thu10:00–18:00
Fri10:00–21:00
Sat10:00–18:00
SunToday10:00–18:00

Address

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Nearest station: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment

Admission

Free

Special exhibitions and events may require paid tickets

Accessibility

Step-free access to all floors. Wheelchairs available. Audio guides, BSL tours, and touch tours for visually impaired visitors.

From our writing

Visitor Information

Is National Gallery free to visit?
Yes, general admission to National Gallery is free. Special exhibitions and events may require paid tickets. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of National Gallery?
National Gallery is open Daily 10:00–18:00, Fri until 21:00. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is National Gallery?
National Gallery is located at Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, in the West End area of London. The nearest stations are Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment.
What can I see at National Gallery?
One of the world's greatest collections of Western European painting, overlooking Trafalgar Square. Current highlights include North Wing: 1600–1700, Sainsbury Wing: 1250–1500, West Wing: 1500–1600.
Do I need to book National Gallery in advance?
National Gallery is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Special exhibitions and events may require paid tickets. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit National Gallery?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is National Gallery accessible?
Step-free access to all floors. Wheelchairs available. Audio guides, BSL tours, and touch tours for visually impaired visitors.

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