The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square, London, founded in 1824. It houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The gallery's collection belongs to the public of the United Kingdom, and entry to the main collection is free of charge.
The current building, designed by William Wilkins, was completed in 1838, though it has undergone several significant expansions, including the addition of the Sainsbury Wing in 1991. The institution serves as a major center for the study and preservation of Western European painting, maintaining a rigorous program of conservation and research.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Portland stone, Granite, Steel, Glass
- Civilization
- British
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps
- Date(s)
- 1832-1838
- Condition
- Active, well-maintained
- Original Function
- Public art gallery
- Key Figures
- William Wilkins, Sir Charles Eastlake, Lord Liverpool
Foundation and Early Years
1824The gallery was established following the British government's purchase of 38 paintings from the estate of John Julius Angerstein. Initially housed in Angerstein's former townhouse on Pall Mall, the collection grew rapidly through donations and acquisitions.
Construction of the Trafalgar Square Building
1832-1838Architect William Wilkins was commissioned to design a permanent home for the collection. The resulting Neoclassical building on the north side of Trafalgar Square opened to the public in 1838, providing a centralized location for the growing national collection.
Expansion and Modernization
20th CenturyThe gallery underwent significant expansion with the opening of the Sainsbury Wing in 1991, designed by Venturi Scott Brown. This addition provided modern facilities for early Renaissance paintings and temporary exhibition spaces, allowing for a more comprehensive display of the collection.
Cultural Significance
The National Gallery is a cornerstone of British cultural life, representing the nation's commitment to the preservation and public accessibility of Western art. It functions as both a repository of European heritage and a site for ongoing scholarly discourse regarding art history and conservation techniques.
Its location in Trafalgar Square makes it a focal point for public assembly and tourism, reinforcing its role as a civic institution. The gallery's policy of free admission is central to its mission of democratizing access to high culture, influencing museum policy globally.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Debates often center on the ethics of provenance, particularly regarding works acquired during periods of colonial expansion or conflict. Additionally, the gallery's conservation practices—specifically the cleaning of paintings to remove aged varnish—have historically sparked intense public and academic controversy regarding the potential alteration of original artistic intent.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open daily. Admission to the permanent collection is free, though booking a timed entry slot is recommended during peak periods. Security screening is mandatory for all visitors.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings (10:00-11:30) offer the quietest experience. Avoid weekends and school holidays when the gallery experiences high visitor density.
Photography
Non-commercial photography is permitted in most galleries for personal use. Flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited. Photography is not allowed in certain temporary exhibition spaces.
Nearby POIs
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- Materials
- Portland stone, Granite, Steel, Glass
- Civilization
- British
- Accessibility
- Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps