A space where everyone can start a lifelong journey with creativity by finding ways to connect with great paintings from the past.
Visit us to explore art in new and exciting ways at the Roden Centre for Creative Learning. Free to enter, it’s located on Orange Street, in central London, with direct access into the National Gallery. It is a new cultural hub that combines practical creativity, the joy of learning, and digital discovery – all in one place.
Spanning three floors of light-filled spaces, you’re welcome to the centre whatever your age, background, and or art ability. Here you, alongside your family and friends, can connect with our paintings through your own creativity.
It’s one of the largest dedicated gallery learning spaces in the UK. London-based architects Lawson Ward Studio have transformed the space to support a diverse spectrum of learning needs and enable children, young people and adults to develop skills, have new experiences, and inspire others.
There’s a programme of free activities for children of all ages, families, schools and young people. Families don’t need to book – just turn up on weekends and in school holidays! Feel free to bring a picnic.
We also run both free and ticketed events and courses for adults, in the centre, the galleries and online. You can explore events and courses here.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Entrance via Orange Street |
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Free |
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The Roden Centre for Creative Learning will open to the public from 6pm on Friday 28 February for a special Friday Late. Open: 10:00 -18:00 Monday – Friday term time See programmes below for more details |
Created to welcome everyone, this is a meeting space for schools during term time, and at weekends and during school holidays it is transformed into a free creative drop-in centre for children and families. Come and get creative together across generations. Make your own artwork and have fun with our playboxes, created by artists and children.
Play Keeper of Paintings: Canvas Quest in The Welcome Space and on The Balcony. This is an immersive game that takes children on a hide and seek adventure using Augmented Reality.
Suitable for ages 7+. adult supervision is recommended while playing. Access the web app for free on your phone or tablet. No download required. Developed by 1UP Studios and created with children for children.
A Changing Places toilet is located in The Welcome Space, on the ground floor of The Roden Centre for Creative Learning.
The Clore Art Studio is an inspiring and bright double-height space enabling children, young people and adults to explore paintings and artists’ processes through making in a studio environment. State of the art hybrid facilities enable us to connect with artists and learners across the nation and beyond.
A new interactive environment enabling learners to explore paintings through colour, texture, light and sound. A playful and safe space designed to support sensory learning, with resources developed in consultation with pupils and teachers from special schools.
The Social Space is a large, light and open space designed as a lunchroom and for large scale drawing and play, but also for music and events.
If you would prefer to design and lead your own Gallery session, please book your free Gallery entry ticket in advance. For further information on visiting the Gallery, please email hello@nationalgallery.org.uk, or call +44 (0)20 7747 2885.
The Gallery aims to make access to the collection as inclusive and welcoming as possible. There are a range of facilities to help you enjoy the collection, visit exhibitions, and events. Please visit our Access page for full details of our facilities.
There is one designated accessible parking space on Orange Street, next to the Gallery. Please note this parking space is about 250 metres from the Getty Entrance. The space must be booked 48 hours in advance by telephoning: 020 7747 2885.
There are three designated blue badge parking bays on St Martin's Street. For more information, please contact the Westminster Parking Information Service on: 020 7823 4567.
The National Gallery is grateful for the generous support of the following donors towards The Roden Centre for Creative Learning
Stuart and Bianca Roden
Clore Duffield Foundation
Julia Rausing Trust
Kate de Rothschild Agius and Marcus Agius CBE
and all other donors, including those who wish to remain anonymous
With thanks to the following donors for supporting access improvements
The BAND Trust
Garfield Weston Foundation
City Bridge Foundation
