The National Gallery, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

If you love art, history and culture, there’s no better place than The National Gallery in London. With over 2,300 impressive paintings ranging from the 13th to the 19th centuries, this popular attraction is a must-see. From world-famous masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to landmarks such as the Trafalgar Square, there is something here for everyone. In this blog, we’ll dive a bit deeper and take a look at some interesting facts and information about The National Gallery, London, as well as provide a travel guide with tips on how to get the most out of your visit.

Interesting Facts About The National Gallery, London

1. The National Gallery has over 5,000 sculptures and drawings in its collection.
2. Some of the earliest works to be acquired by the Gallery are the Cartoons for the tapestries of the Sistine Chapel.
3. During World War II, Britain’s national art collection was hidden in a slate mine in Manorbier, Wales in order to protect it from German bombing raids.
4. There are more than 2 million visitors to the National Gallery each year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.
5. In 2016, the National Gallery presented the first-ever solo show of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer in the UK.
6. The National Gallery holds the world’s largest collection of works by the Venetian Renaissance painter Titian.
7. The gallery also boasts the world’s largest collection of paintings by J.M.W. Turner, containing over 300 works.
8. The National Gallery stores and displays 370,000 works across four sites: the Sainsbury Wing, the East Wing, the North Wing and the Prints and Drawings Gallery.

• The Museum of London, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About The National Gallery, London

The National Gallery in London is an art museum featuring collections from around the world that date back to the 13th century. It was established in 1824 and was the first national gallery in the world. It is located in central London, in Trafalgar Square and is home to a permanent collection of over 2,300 paintings spanning from the mid-13th century to 1900. Highlights of the collection include masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Titian. Admission to the National Gallery is free of charge and it gets over 6 million visitors annually.

The National Gallery is renowned for its education and community programs that span a range of ages from preschoolers to pensioners. It offers activities such as lectures, workshops, seminars, and guided tours that encourage visitors to explore and engage with the artwork. It also has an extensive library and study centers for research into its various collections, highlighting the importance it places on education and interaction. The National Gallery is also home to numerous important exhibitions and has recently hosted exhibitions such as the ‘Golden Age of Dutch Art’ and ‘Masterpieces from the Tate’ to name a few.

The National Gallery is managed by a Board of Trustees, comprising officials from the Department for Culture Media and Sports, external art experts, and several members of the public. It receives strong financial support from the government as well as from private sponsors. It also raises funds through the successful receipt of grants, donations, and memberships.

In recent years, The National Gallery has become increasingly digital with the launch of its website, which provides detailed information about its collections, upcoming events, and educational activities. It also provides access to digital collections such as its Virtual Tour and 3D Scanning, which allow visitors to tour the galleries online and explore the artwork on closer inspection from the comfort of their own home.

The National Gallery is at the forefront of promoting art in the history of London and in the world. It remains one of the most influential art galleries in the world.

• The Globe Theatre, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• The Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• The Churchill College, Cambridge : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting The National Gallery, London

1. Get Oriented: The National Gallery in London is located at Trafalgar Square just off Charing Cross Road. The Gallery holds the national collection of western European painting from the 13th-19th centuries.

2. Opening Hours: The National Gallery is open 10am-6pm daily, however on Fridays and Saturdays, the gallery stays open until 9pm.

3. Tickets: Standard tickets are available for both adults and children. You can buy tickets online at the Gallery’s website, or opt for a combination ticket which will also give you access to the National Portrait Gallery.

4. What You Can See: There are nearly 2,300 paintings in the Gallery’s permanent collection, featuring works by artists ranging from the Early Renaissance to the early 20th century. Visitors can explore the historical development of European painting spread across 34 galleries.

5. Special Exhibitions: In addition to the permanent collection, the National Gallery features special exhibitions several times a year. Plan your visit with the Gallery’s current and upcoming exhibitions in mind.

6. Dining and Shopping: There are several restaurants located within the Gallery as well as specialty stores where you can pick up books, gifts, and other souvenirs.

7. Know Before You Go: To make the most of your visit, look over the collection guide and plan your route in advance. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the Museum Café located in the Sainsbury Wing, where you can take a break and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

• The Alnwick Castle, Northumberland : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• The Cliffs of Moher, County Clare : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• The Kew Gardens, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About The National Gallery, London

Q. What are the opening times for the National Gallery, London?

A. The National Gallery in London is open every day from 10am to 6pm (last admission 5.15pm). On Fridays, it is open from 10am to 9pm (last admission 8.15pm).

Q. How much does it cost to visit the National Gallery, London?

A. Admission to the National Gallery in London is free of charge, although there are some exhibitions and events for which tickets are required.

Q. Does the National Gallery, London have tours?

A. Yes, the National Gallery in London offers daily tours which are free of charge. There are also a variety of options available including themed tours, highlights tours, and specialized tours for students and families.

Q. Where is the National Gallery, London located?

A. The National Gallery, London is located at Trafalgar Square in the Westminster area of central London. The nearest underground station is Charing Cross and buses 11, 24, 29 and 176 all stop outside the gallery.

• The Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• The Kew Gardens, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide