About this London Attraction
The National Gallery in London is one of the most prominent art museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. Located in Trafalgar Square, the gallery is home to over 2,300 paintings, including masterpieces by some of the most recognizable artists in history.
The National Gallery was founded in 1824 when the British government purchased 38 paintings from the estate of John Julius Angerstein. Today, the museum’s collection has grown to include works from the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and many others. The gallery is divided into four main sections, each showcasing a different era in art history.
One of the most popular sections of the National Gallery is the Renaissance section, which features works from the 14th to the 16th century. Here, visitors can view some of the most iconic paintings in the world, including Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks” and Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait.”
Another must-see section of the gallery is the Baroque section, which houses works from the 17th century. Here, visitors can view paintings by Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens, and Diego Velázquez, among others. One of the most famous paintings in this section is Rembrandt’s “Self-Portrait at the Age of 34.”
The National Gallery’s collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings is also worth a visit. Here, visitors can view works by Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh, among others. Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” is one of the highlights of this section.
Finally, the gallery’s collection of modern and contemporary art is also impressive. Visitors can view works by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, among others. One of the most famous paintings in this section is Henri Matisse’s “The Snail.”
Aside from the main sections, there are also several temporary exhibitions on display at the National Gallery throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase works from different artists and eras, providing visitors with a unique perspective on the world of art.
In addition to the paintings themselves, the National Gallery also offers a range of services and amenities for visitors. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the collection, and audio guides are available for those who prefer to explore on their own. The gallery also has a gift shop, a café, and a restaurant, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring the museum.
Overall, the National Gallery in London is a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With its extensive collection of paintings and impressive range of services, the gallery offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re interested in Renaissance art or modern and contemporary works, the National Gallery has something for everyone to enjoy.
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Londontopia's Review
The National Gallery is our favorite art museum in London. It's collection is world class - it's not just a repository of important British art, but of world art. Highlights include important works by Turner, Constable, Holbein, Gainsborough, Van Gogh, and more. The museum contains the most famous Turners and Constables (like The Hay Wain and The Fighting Temeraire). Best of all, it is, and most likely always will be completely free to enter (though there is sometimes a charge for special exhibitions). I visit this museum at least once every time I'm in London. Do not miss out! Also spend time in Trafalgar Square, which is London's front room.
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1 Reviews on “The National Gallery”
By far my favorite art museum in London. Home to so many beautiful paintings, not just from around Britain. I could spend hours gazing at the Turners and Constables in the main gallery. I recommend visiting on a weekday in the middle of the day or right after it opens then you can have the place to yourself.