We offer a range of facilities to help you explore the paintings, visit exhibitions and come to events.
Tickets
We recommend booking in advance online to help us manage the number of people in the Gallery and to limit queuing:
Gallery entry
The collection of paintings is on Level 2 of the building and entrance is free for everyone. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions are held in the galleries. We provide:
- Exhibition videos and films have subtitles and transcripts
- Large print transcripts.
To order a large print transcript to collect when you visit, please phone 020 7747 2885.
Find out more about our exhibitions
BSL: events
Transcript
Presenter: Another programme that has developed to include a wider choice of events is the British Sign Language programme for deaf and hard of hearing visitors. There is now a dedicated British Sign Language Facebook site for this audience and induction loops are provided in key locations around the Gallery. Deaf lecturers regularly give talks interpreted into spoken English as part of the regular adult programme.
Lecturer 1: ... she was the lover of Louis XV of France and this was painted roughly about the same time as this gentleman here...
Exhibition presenter: ... Welcome to the exhibition, 'Picasso: Challenging the Past' ...
Presenter: And British Sign Language introductions to exhibitions can be viewed on the National Gallery website.
Deaf and hard of hearing visitors are regularly consulted in order to create an appealing and innovative British Sign Language programme which reflects their needs and interests.
Lecturer 2: And this exhibition looks at faces ...
Presenter: Visitors have requested after hours private views and social events as well as lectures within the regular adult learning programme.
Lecturer 2: The things that you can all see...
Presenter: A Gallery lecturer introduces the exhibition's key themes, in spoken English, and her talk is interpreted into British Sign Language.
The Gallery continues to find ways to further enhance access to the collection.
Find out about more Gallery facilities and events for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing
Events
To enable access to events the Gallery provides:
- Hearing loops for talks and films in the Sunley Room and exhibition cinemas
- BSL-interpreted talks and talks in BSL
- Live speech-to-text captioning provided by STAGETEXT
Information Desks
All Information Desks have hearing loops.
STAGETEXT
Occasional talks at the National Gallery are accompanied by live speech-to-text transcription supported by STAGETEXT. This service converts the spoken word into visible text, providing visitors who are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing access to live events.
Find out more about STAGETEXT [external link]
If you encounter any issues booking your ticket(s) please contact us:
If you're a Member: membership@nationalgallery.org.uk
For Gallery entry ticket: tickets@nationalgallery.org.uk
Exhibition tickets: tickets@nationalgallery.org.uk
Contact us
Members of staff are on hand to support your visit.
General access queries: Contact Information on 020 7747 2885 or email information@nationalgallery.org.uk
Access events: Education on 020 7747 2864 or email education@nationalgallery.org.uk