What is the National Gallery in London?
The National Gallery is an art museum on Trafalgar Square in London, housing one of the world's greatest collections of Western European paintings from the 13th to the early 20th century.
The gallery was founded in 1824, when the government bought 38 paintings from the collection of banker John Julius Angerstein. It moved to its current building on Trafalgar Square in 1838.
The collection includes more than 2,300 paintings, owned by the public. It is free to visit.
Masterpieces
Highlights include Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh, The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, The Hay Wain by John Constable, The Fighting Temeraire by J.M.W. Turner and Venus and Mars by Botticelli.
The Sainsbury Wing, opened in 1991, houses early Renaissance paintings. The gallery celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024 with a series of events.
The National Portrait Gallery, next door, displays portraits of famous British people. Together they are among London's most visited attractions.
The gallery's steps and portico overlook Trafalgar Square, offering one of the best-known views in London. Free guided tours and talks help visitors explore the collection, and audio guides are available in several languages.