The National Gallery is free to visit. There is a charge for some exhibitions.
The National Gallery in London is home to one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world.
See over 1000 paintings on display from Uccello and Gentileschi to Turner and Van Gogh – experience the wonder of art.
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Entrance via Sainsbury Wing. Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN For additional access information |
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General admission free. Donations welcome. |
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Open daily 10am–6pm Friday until 9pm (Closed 24–26 December and 1 January) |
General admission
Book a free ticket for fast-track entry and to receive key information and updates before your visit. Walk-up entry is also available. If you’re visiting in a group of seven or more, head to the group booking section.
Looking for priority entry?
With no need to book for general admission, free use of the cloakroom and discounts in our shops, cafes, and restaurants, upgrade your visit by becoming a member today.
With a dedicated family space at weekends and holidays at the Roden Centre for Creative Learning, there’s a place to connect, play and find out more about some of your favourite paintings.
You can also bring a packed lunch.
Visiting with more than seven
Book your visit to the Gallery as a free self-guided group
Book an expert led pre-bookable guided tour
Enhance your visit to the National Gallery.
Audio guides
Discover world-famous paintings with insights from expert speakers. Choose from curated routes or build your own personalised tour.
Explore the collection
Explore the nation's collection online, before you visit, or download the free Smartify app for information on the go. You can use it to scan our paintings and discover more.
Events and courses
There’s life drawing, expert-led talks, concerts, tours, poetry readings, drink tastings and so much more happening at the National Gallery. Whether you’re looking to further your art historical knowledge, or just want to have some fun, we have an event for you.
Everyone is welcome
We want everyone to feel welcome and included in all the National Gallery has to offer by removing barriers and having additional resources available.
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There is a parking space on Orange Street for Blue Badge holders only. Please book in advance by calling 020 7747 2885.
There are designated parking bays on St Martin's Street. Please phone Westminster Parking Information Service on 020 7823 4567 for more information.
Public car parks are available nearby in Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square.
The nearest bike stands are on Orange Street, St Martin's Street, St Martin's Place, and Duncannon Street.
The nearest Santander Cycles docking stations are on St Martin's Street, Craven Street, Pall Mall East, William IV Street,
Charles II Street and Oxendon Street.
Please check TFL
for up-to-date information about nearby Santander Cycle docking stations.
Our main, free Gallery entrance is the Sainsbury Wing, with step-free access at the Getty Entrance.
No liquids can be brought into the National Gallery, with the exception of baby formula, expressed milk and prescription medicines. We urge all visitors to bring minimal items with them including no large bags. All doors into the Gallery have walk-through metal detectors where we inspect bags and rucksacks.
Our main entrance for everyone is the Sainsbury Wing. It faces onto Trafalgar Square, at the corner of Pall Mall and Whitcomb Street.
Our Roden Centre for Creative Learning is on Orange Street at the back of the Gallery. It is for school groups and visitors coming to events in the Centre.
To help us keep the Gallery a safe and enjoyable place for everyone, please follow the guidelines listed in our Visitor Admissions Policy.
The cloakroom costs £2 per item to use (free for Members). We accept bags up to 56 x 25 x 45 cm. Wheeled luggage, including cabin bags, and suitcases are not allowed. You are welcome to bring baby buggies into the Gallery.
There are accessible and ambulant toilets near all entrances.
Changing Places toilet facilities are available on the ground floor of the RCCL and on the ground floor of the Sainsbury Wing. You will need a radar key to enter the toilet. We can provide a key.
Feel free to take photographs for personal, non-commercial use, unless a sign says you shouldn't.
Connect to our free WiFi - look for ‘National Gallery’. Read our terms of use.
We're here to inspire! You're welcome to sketch in the Gallery - please see the full list of materials allowed here. You might also like to join our creative sessions.
You may be asked to move along to another painting or room if the Gallery is particularly busy.
Public transport
Walking
Cycling
Car