Visitors at the ice cream bar, 1949.

Café and Shops

In the 20th century, the Gallery greatly increased its facilities for visitors.

During the Second World War, a very popular restaurant had been run in the National Gallery. At the end of the War , the Gallery decided to open a permanent restaurant, to serve light refreshments and ice cream. A second, more formal restaurant, was opened in the new Sainsbury Wing in 1991, and a room for school parties to eat their own packed lunches was opened in 1977.

In 1916 a publications stall was opened at the main entrance, to sell postcards and National Gallery catalogues. During the century, the stall was rebuilt and relocated several times to accommodate the ever-growing range of books and merchandise. Today there are three shops in the Gallery as well as an online shop.

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