About National Gallery
Founded as the nation's collection 'for everyone', the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square holds 2,300 paintings tracing seven centuries of European art.
Founded in 1824, National Gallery has been welcoming visitors for over 202 years. Today it draws approximately 3,100,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in London, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 38,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why National Gallery ranks #14
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #14, National Gallery is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: Free entry, TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through National Gallery is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Sunflowers (Van Gogh)
- ◆The Arnolfini Portrait (Van Eyck)
- ◆The Hay Wain (Constable)
- ◆The Fighting Temeraire (Turner)
- ◆Virgin of the Rocks (Leonardo)
- ◆Bathers at Asnières (Seurat)
Recognition & awards
National Gallery has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:00 (Fri until 21:00). Free.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: National Gallery is located in London, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.5089°N, -0.1283°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of National Gallery
National Gallery was established in 1824, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in London. With 3,100,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like National Gallery, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in London
London is home to 15 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to National Gallery with these nearby institutions:
- #4British Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #12Tate Modern🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #17Natural History Museum🦖 Natural History
- #41Victoria and Albert Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
- #42Science Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #65Tate Britain🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #154Imperial War Museum London🏛️ History & Civilization
- #155Churchill War Rooms🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of National Gallery?
Daily 10:00–18:00 (Fri until 21:00). Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at National Gallery?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is National Gallery located?
National Gallery is located in London, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.5089°, -0.1283°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is National Gallery known for?
Western European painting from 1250–1900, free to all. Key highlights include Sunflowers (Van Gogh), The Arnolfini Portrait (Van Eyck), The Hay Wain (Constable). The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 38,000 reviews.
How many people visit National Gallery each year?
National Gallery receives approximately 3,100,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United Kingdom.
When was National Gallery founded?
National Gallery was founded in 1824, making it 202 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
