The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square is Britain's national collection of Western European painting, holding around 2,300 works spanning the 13th century to the early 20th century. It is one of London's essential sights because you can see textbook masterpieces — Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers', Leonardo's 'Virgin of the Rocks', Turner's 'The Fighting Temeraire' — with free admission to the main collection. In May 2025, marking the Gallery's 200th anniversary, the Sainsbury Wing reopened after a two-year renovation as a brighter, more spacious main entrance. Through 2026 and into spring 2027, a bicentenary festival (NG200) brings concerts, late openings and events on Trafalgar Square, making it a lively time to visit alongside the paintings.
Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' (1888) — the icon of Post-Impressionism in blazing yellow, shown in Room 43 alongside Monet and Renoir.
Leonardo da Vinci's 'Virgin of the Rocks' — a mysterious masterpiece built on sfumato; one of two versions, its twin hanging in the Louvre.
Turner's 'The Fighting Temeraire' — a veteran warship towed to its end beneath a blazing sunset, often voted Britain's favourite painting.
Jan van Eyck's 'Arnolfini Portrait' — a pinnacle of early oil painting, famous for its convex mirror and precise detail. Nearby, seek out Velázquez's 'Rokeby Venus' and Caravaggio's 'Supper at Emmaus'.
The reopened Sainsbury Wing — a tall glass foyer and new main entrance, plus Bar Giorgio on the ground floor, the visible result of the bicentenary renovation.
Good to know
CautionAround Trafalgar and Leicester Square, watch for the clipboard/petition distraction (an accomplice picks your pocket while you sign), the ketchup-or-bird-dropping 'let me clean that off' trick, and the free-flower/bracelet scam where payment is then demanded. Politely decline strangers who approach you suddenly.
SafetyWestminster, where the Gallery sits, is one of London's worst boroughs for theft from the person. Wear your bag across the front of your body with the zip closed, and never keep a phone or wallet in a back pocket — stay especially alert on the Tube (e.g. Leicester Square) and in crowds.
RulesThere is a security bag check at the entrance and large suitcases or big backpacks are not permitted; use the cloakroom. The main collection is free, but special exhibitions (e.g. Zurbarán and Waldmüller in 2026) are ticketed and popular ones should be booked in advance.
MannersPersonal, non-flash photography is generally allowed in the permanent collection, but special exhibitions and some loaned works prohibit photos. Do not touch the paintings or lean in too close, and avoid selfie sticks and tripods.
SeasonQueues build in the summer peak, on weekends and during the Friday late opening. Entry is free, but reserving a free timed ticket online during busy periods cuts your wait. London weather is changeable, so carry an umbrella and a layer.
MannersTipping is not obligatory in the UK, and the Gallery's cafes and restaurants may already add a service charge to the bill, so there is no need to tip twice. Keep noise down in the galleries and avoid bringing food or drink inside.
Practical info
The Gallery is on Trafalgar Square, about a 3–5 minute walk from Leicester Square Underground (closest) and Charing Cross (step-free, rail and Underground). The main entrance is the Sainsbury Wing; the permanent collection is free (no booking required, though a free timed ticket is recommended in peak season) while special exhibitions are ticketed. It opens daily 10:00–18:00, with a Friday late opening until 21:00 (last entry around 19:45), and closes 24–26 December and 1 January — always confirm the latest prices, hours and exhibition dates on the official website before visiting.
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