National Gallery

What's On

Now

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Renoir and Love

The most significant UK exhibition of Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 20 years, tracing love and affection in his art, including 'Dance at the Moulin de la Galette'.

Now showing3 Oct – 31 Jan 2027

Yinka Shonibare and Thomas Gainsborough: A Conversation

Yinka Shonibare's contemporary response shown alongside Thomas Gainsborough's 'Mr and Mrs Andrews'. Free to all visitors.

Now showing15 Oct – 7 Feb 2027· Free

Van Eyck: The Portraits

For the first time in history, all of Jan van Eyck's surviving painted portraits brought together in one exhibition.

Upcoming21 Nov – 11 Apr 2027

Catharina van Hemessen: Signature Works

The first exhibition devoted to Catharina van Hemessen, the Renaissance artist who painted herself into history. Free to all visitors.

Upcoming4 Mar 2027 – 30 May 2027· Free

German Expressionism: Modern Painting 1900-1918

Around 50 German Expressionist paintings from collections worldwide, revealing an alternative story of modern art, 1900–1918.

Upcoming18 Mar 2027 – 1 Aug 2027

Collected: Centuries of art, saved and shared

Over 40 works acquired for the UK through Acceptance in Lieu and Cultural Gifts, from Rembrandt, Renoir and Freud to a Picasso and an 18th-century goldfish bowl.

Upcoming22 May 2027 – 5 Sept 2027· Free

Permanent Collections

Sainsbury Wing: 1250–1500

Medieval and Early Renaissance masterpieces — Botticelli, van Eyck, Piero della Francesca — in the gallery's landmark wing.

Permanent collection· Free

West Wing: 1500–1600

Italian High Renaissance at its peak — Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian — alongside German and Flemish masters.

Permanent collection· Free

East Wing: 1700–1900

From Turner and Constable to Monet, Renoir, Seurat, and Van Gogh's Sunflowers — Romanticism through Post-Impressionism.

Permanent collection· Free

North Wing: 1600–1700

Baroque masters in full force — Rembrandt, Rubens, Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Vermeer across the seventeenth century.

Permanent collection· Free

Nearby

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National Portrait Gallery

ArtFree1 min walk

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London Transport Museum

Transport7 min walk

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Churchill War Rooms

Military9 min walk

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Royal Academy of Arts

Art10 min walk

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 and 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 Sainsbury Wing: 1250–1500, Collected: Centuries of art, saved and shared and 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.