Starring the National Gallery: 17 chances to see the Gallery on screen

Skyfall

World-famous spy 007 sits next to an unassuming man in the Gallery, in front of Turner’s 'The Fighting Temeraire' in Room 34. It is here that we see Q, played by Ben Whishaw, present Daniel Craig’s Bond with plane tickets and a gun, ahead of his next mission. But it is their discussion of the painting that caught our attention, Q comments on the 'inevitability of time' that the painting represents, whilst Bond sarcastically adds, 'bloody big ship'.

St Trinian's

In 2007 the anarchic girls of St Trinian’s were back, 53 years after the first film, and this time they had their sights set on the National Gallery. In the film, they scheme to get into the final of a TV quiz show that has its finale in the Gallery, as a cover to steal one of the artworks. Whilst you might recognise the Gallery in many of the shots, such as when the girls run up the stairs of the Main Vestibule and across the Anrep Mosaics, the eagle eyed among you will spot that some of the interiors were filmed at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

Venus

Velazquez’s ‘The Rokeby Venus’ has a starring role in this film starring Peter O’Toole and Jodie Whittaker, as they head to the Gallery to admire his favourite work of art. The famous painting then inspires the nickname given to Jodie’s character, as well as the title of the film.

Wild Target

Imagine being allowed to ride a bike through the Gallery! Well for Emily Blunt, she didn’t have to imagine. In 'Wild Target', an action comedy which also stars Bill Nighy, her character manages to sneak past security and cycle through the Gallery. We wouldn’t recommend giving it a go when you next visit.

The Boat that Rocked

In this star-studded Richard Curtis film about pirate radio in the 1960s, the Gallery appears in a scene following a pub crawl in the city. This night of debauchery culminates with them dancing on our famous Portico Terrace at dawn.

Edge of Tomorrow

In its position at the top of Trafalgar Square, the Gallery has been witness to many historic moments. But if our walls could talk, this event would have to be one of the highlights. In Tom Cruise’s 2014 sci-fi movie 'Edge of Tomorrow', an RAF Puma HC1 helicopter lands in Trafalgar Square. It wasn’t Tom flying this time, that was left to the experts from the RAF. Not surprisingly, this is the first time such a stunt has taken place in the Square, although occasionally London’s Air Ambulance crew do use the Square to attend to medical emergencies.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

For some it would be quite the sight, and for others an absolute nightmare, but in this scene from the 'Night at the Museum' sequel, the lions outside the Gallery in Trafalgar Square come to life! 

The Monuments Men

Although not filmed at the Gallery itself, the creation of this film led to the discovery that two members of National Gallery staff were also part of the platoon, known as the Monuments Men. In the Second World War, they were responsible for travelling to Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from the Nazis and returning them to their rightful owners.

Find out more about our Monuments Men and admire one of the works saved during the operation, 'Saint George and the Dragon' by Paolo Uccello.

The Duke

This film is based on the true story of Kempton Bunton who stole Goya’s portrait ‘The Duke of Wellington’ from the National Gallery in 1961, just 19 days after it was first put on display. Jim Broadbent plays the role of Bunton, a retired man from Newcastle who is the culprit, and in 2022 Broadbent came to the Gallery to see the painting his character had taken.

Animal Crossing

For anyone who's played 'Animal Crossing', you’ll know all about buying artwork and either displaying it in your virtual home or donating it to the art wing of the museum. Although players may find out they’ve purchased a forgery and are unable to donate the piece! There are two pictures from the National Gallery’s collection that feature in the game, Flowery Painting (Van Gogh's ‘Sunflowers') and Glowing Painting (Turner's ‘The Fighting Temeraire’). So, keep an eye out for these masterpieces next time you’re hanging out with Tom Nook and friends.

Downton Abbey

Series 5, episode 3

The grandeur of the Gallery is the perfect location for Lady Grantham, Cora, (Elizabeth McGovern) to meet her friend Simon Bricker (Richard E Grant), who also happens to be an art historian. They are seen viewing Piero della Francesca’s ‘The Nativity’ together. However, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) is suspicious of Bricker’s interest in Cora, and his flirtations eventually cause some drama between the couple.

Heartstopper

Series 2, episode 5

In this charming Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, we see Charlie, Nick and their friends head to the Louvre whilst on a school trip to Paris. But some of the scenes were actually filmed here at the National Gallery. You might recognise Caravaggio’s ‘The Supper at Emmaus’, which Elle is seen admiring in this episode.

Outnumbered

Series 3, episode 1

In this episode of the chaotic lives of the Brockman family, we see them head to central London for a family day out. At the start of their trip, youngest son Ben is distracted by the lions in Trafalgar Square, causing havoc as he pretends the lion is eating him. They then visit another art gallery where Karen reflects on her visit to the National Gallery which was "rubbish too" - the Van Gogh's were "wriggly and he should have gone over it" and Turner was "too blurry".

Rob and Romesh Vs

Series 3, Episode 1 – Art

The chaotic duo return to their 'Vs' comedy series to try their hand at art. The episode sees them creating performance art with Quilla Constance and trying their hand at sculpture and painting. But before they get stuck into their own creations, the guys meet Lachlan Goudie for a tour of the National Gallery, where Turner’s ‘The Fighting Temeraire’ fails to move them.

Ugly Betty

In the final episode of American TV-series 'Ugly Betty', Betty is offered an exciting job opportunity in London. The last few minutes of this popular show take place on the steps of Trafalgar Square, with the Gallery in the background. Betty bumps into one of her friends and colleagues from Mode magazine, leading to a wonderfully tantalising end to the show. 

Mr Bean: The Animated Series

Series 1, episode 36

In this episode of the animated series of 'Mr Bean', we see the chaotic character pay a visit to the Gallery. At first he causes havoc, before witnessing an art thief in action and giving chase!

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Following his antics with the helicopter in front of the Gallery for 'Edge of Tomorrow', Tom Cruise was back causing a stir in Trafalgar Square. Catch a glimpse of the Gallery in this action-packed trailer for 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning'.