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The Roden Centre for Creative Learning

A space where everyone can start a lifelong journey with creativity by finding ways to connect with great paintings from the past. 

About the Roden Centre for Creative Learning

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. 

Visiting information

Location Entrance via Orange Street
Cost Free
Time

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 
Booked school groups and individuals only
10:00 – 18:00 Saturday, Sunday and school holidays 
Families welcome – no booking necessary

See programmes below for more details

FAQs

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.

  • Group sizes are 10-25 students per session.
  • You can book two groups in a single booking request, please use the ‘Add another group’ option. Groups can differ by key stage, theme, date and time of their visit.
  • There is a maximum of 2 workshops per school within an academic year.

Unfortunately, workshops are currently not offered for overseas groups.

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