National Gallery

The National Gallery is a museum for European painting in the City of Westminster, housed in a Georgian-era building at Trafalgar Square. The collections occupy several wings and are arranged by period, with each room devoted to a particular school or century.

The museum came into being in 1824 after the British government acquired a private painting collection to establish a public gallery. Over the following decades, the holdings grew through donations and purchases, until the present building at Trafalgar Square was erected in the 1830s.

The galleries follow the tradition of public art collections, where visitors pause in front of paintings and study them closely. On many days, staff members lead small groups through individual rooms and discuss the works in conversation with guests.

The main entrance sits on the north side of Trafalgar Square and is reached by a wide flight of steps. On Fridays the doors remain open until late evening, while closing occurs earlier on other weekdays.

During the Second World War, every painting left London and was kept in several locations across Wales, including a castle in North Wales. Only a single picture remained behind and changed each month, so that visitors could still see art.

Location: City of Westminster

Inception: 1824

Founders: Sir George Beaumont, 7th Baronet

Architects: William Wilkins

Official opening: 1824

Architectural style: Georgian architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: No

Part of: Board of Trustees of the National Gallery

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

Opening Hours: Saturday-Thursday 10:00-18:00; Friday 10:00-21:00

Phone: +442077472885

Website: https://nationalgallery.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.50889,-0.12833

Latest update: December 27, 2025 08:47