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The National Gallery at 200: For the Nation – For the World
Read about our plans for the future in the National Gallery Strategic Plan 2021-2026.
Working at the Gallery
About the National Gallery
The National Gallery exists so that people can engage with great art.
Established in 1824, we are home to the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. That's 700 years of art history under one roof.
From Artemisia Gentileschi to Vincent van Gogh, our collection contains artworks by some of the greatest painters who have ever lived. Through their paintings, we learn how artists and societies have responded to myth and religion, history and landscapes and the tradition of art itself.
The National Gallery has an important role to play in sharing these works of art. Our aim is to care for the collection, to enhance it for future generations and to study it enthusiastically.
We want the Gallery to be a place of learning and enjoyment for the widest possible public, now and in the future. After all, the collection belongs to the people of the United Kingdom. It is open to all, free of charge.
Millions of people now visit us every year and we are thrilled to reach many more online. Since its foundation over 200 years ago, the Gallery has seen many transformations. As we step into our next chapter, we’d love for you to join us on the journey.
About National Gallery Global
National Gallery Global (NGG) is the Gallery’s commercial arm, generating vital income to support the care and preservation of the collection.
We run the Gallery’s cafés, restaurants and shops, both onsite in Trafalgar Square and online. We also publish books, license images worldwide, create merchandise inspired by the collection, manage venue hire for events and run the National Gallery Membership Scheme. The income generated helps ensure that the world’s greatest paintings can be cared for, shared and enjoyed - today and for generations to come.
Where does the Gallery advertise vacancies?
Before you register for job vacancies or apply for a post, view our Applicant Privacy Notice.
National Gallery and National Gallery Global
National Gallery and National Gallery Global vacancies are posted in the jobs section of the Gallery’s website.
Frequently asked questions
Jobs in museums and galleries are wide-ranging and each may require different qualifications, experience and skills. The Museums Association has some advice for people interested in a career in the sector.
Unfortunately, as the Gallery is a comparatively small organisation, we lack the space and other facilities to offer voluntary work, and only very rarely have any opportunities for work experience.
We occasionally recruit casual workers. Details are posted on our jobs page, so please check back regularly.
Wages are determined by assignment and are paid in line with the London Living Wage.
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview, and if you are successful at the interview stage, you will be offered a casual contract subject to passing our security screening process.
Rather than send the Gallery your CV in this way, we would suggest that you register for job alerts on our online recruitment system and apply specifically for any that you think would be suitable.
This would depend on the type of current visa you have in your passport and the post you are applying for.
Certificates of Sponsorship for skilled jobs are not issued to individuals; an application for a Certificate of Sponsorship can only be made by a United Kingdom Home Office-licensed employer in the UK, who has a specific skilled job to offer a named person. The National Gallery currently holds a United Kingdom Home Office licence.
The United Kingdom Home Office considers visa applications from individuals with a job offer under the points-based system. Points are awarded for the level of qualifications required, prospective earnings and areas in which there is a particular skills shortage in the UK. In addition, under the points-based system, two statutory requirements must be met – a certain level of English language skills and the ability to maintain yourself financially when you first arrive in the UK.
This information correct as at September 2023 and is kept under review.