The National Gallery in London has announced increased security measures following a series of attacks on its iconic collection. Starting today, October 18, 2024, visitors will no longer be allowed to bring liquids into the gallery, with the exception of baby formula, expressed milk, and prescription medicines. This move comes after a spate of incidents that have caused physical damage to invaluable works of art and distress among both visitors and staff. Visitors will also now have to enter through metal detectors.
The National Gallery, one of the world’s most visited and celebrated cultural institutions, offers free access to its collection, allowing millions of people each year to experience humanity’s greatest artistic achievements. However, this openness has also made the gallery vulnerable to attacks that threaten the safety of its irreplaceable artworks. The gallery holds masterpieces from some of the most revered artists in history, including Vincent van Gogh, John Constable, and Diego Velázquez. These paintings represent not only artistic genius but also fragile, priceless objects that must be preserved for future generations.
A String of Attacks on Iconic Paintings
Since July 2022, the National Gallery has faced five separate attacks on its collection. Among the targeted works are van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Constable’s The Hay Wain, and Velázquez’s Rokeby Venus. Two of these attacks have occurred in the past two weeks, prompting the gallery to take immediate action. While none of these incidents have resulted in irreparable damage, they have underscored the need for heightened security measures.
The gallery’s spokesperson expressed regret over the decision, stating, “Each attack forces us to reconsider the balance between public accessibility and the protection of these fragile objects. We are now at a point where we must take additional precautions to ensure the safety of our visitors, staff, and the nation’s collection.”
New Security Protocols
In addition to the ban on liquids, the gallery is urging visitors to minimize the items they bring with them, particularly large bags. All entrances to the gallery will now be equipped with walk-through metal detectors, and staff will inspect bags and rucksacks upon entry. These measures will likely increase wait times for entry, and the gallery has apologized in advance for the inconvenience.
“We are sorry that for the time being, visitors will not receive the welcoming experience we aim to provide, but we hope they understand the necessity of these changes,” the spokesperson added.
Ensuring Public Access to Art
Despite these new security measures, the National Gallery remains committed to its mission of making great art accessible to everyone. Founded by Parliament in 1824, the gallery houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Western European paintings, featuring works from the late 13th to the early 20th centuries. With masterpieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, and Titian, the gallery continues to be a vital cultural institution, offering free admission to visitors from around the world.
However, the gallery’s responsibility to protect these masterpieces is just as important as its mission to provide access. “We must preserve these treasures for future generations to enjoy, and that means sometimes putting barriers between people and the artwork,” the gallery explained.
The Impact of the New Policy
While the tightened security will be a noticeable change for visitors, it is seen as a necessary step in safeguarding the nation’s artistic heritage. The gallery acknowledges that the experience may feel different in the short term, but they hope that the public will support these efforts to protect the collection.
The National Gallery’s updated Visitor Admissions Policy, including full details of the new security measures, can be found on the gallery’s official website. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes before planning their next trip.
As London’s National Gallery navigates this challenging period, its dedication to protecting both the art and the public remains steadfast. The increased security may add an extra step to entering the gallery, but it ensures that future generations can continue to be inspired by the world’s greatest masterpieces.