General admission

Entry to the National Gallery is free

Walk-up entry

Due to our revised security measures, we are not currently offering advanced booking for general admission to the Gallery.

The Gallery remains free for all to visit. Visitors can enter at the Portico Entrance. You may be asked to queue at busy times.

Step-free access to the Gallery is through the Getty Entrance.

The Sainsbury Wing is currently closed to complete exciting changes to improve the welcome we provide to millions of visitors each year - find out more.

During this closure many of the paintings have been redisplayed across the Gallery. Please do check the painting pages for their current location.

Members enjoy more

Becoming a member is the best way to enjoy all the Gallery has to offer – including free entry to ‘Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers’, as well as discounts in our shops, cafes and restaurant.

Become a Member

Revised security measures at the National Gallery

Following recent incidents within the Gallery it is now necessary to introduce increased security measures to ensure the safety of all who visit, National Gallery staff and the nation’s collection of paintings. 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. We anticipate it will take longer to access the Gallery and we apologise for this inconvenience in advance of your visit.

Group booking

Visiting in a group of six or more?

Self-guided groups

Plan your visit to the Gallery as a free self-guided group

Group visits

Book an expert led pre-bookable guided tour

Make the most of your visit

NG Stories: Making a National Gallery

Until 12 January 2025

The history of the National Gallery told through the people who made us what we are today. Find out more.

Discover Constable and The Hay Wain

Until 2 February 2025

Find out what lies behind the making of 'The Hay Wain' and its iconic status in British art. Find out more.

Explore the collection

Audio guide

Discover hidden stories, hear from expert speakers, and learn about our world-famous collection. Make the very most of your visit in our Bicentenary year with a self-guided tour of highlight paintings.

Find out more

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.

Immersive AR apps for children

Step into a hidden world of art and magic with the Keeper of Paintings immersive experience. Available to share at the National Gallery, where you are and on Roblox.

Find out more

Shopping and eating

Shop and refresh during your visit.

Shopping

Complete your Gallery experience with a visit to our shops. You’ll find exclusive gifts and souvenirs in our shop by the Portico Entrance, and our dedicated bookshop at the Getty Exit. Or shop online and have delivered to your door, or click and collect when you visit.

Ochre

Ochre is our contemporary all day dining bar and restaurant. It has a seasonal and wide-ranging European menu including lunch, art-themed afternoon tea, and dinner. As well as a lively cocktail bar and lounge, and private hire dining room.

Muriel's Kitchen & Espresso Bar

Muriel's Kitchen is our self-serve café, with a delicious selection of hot and cold meals, cakes and patisseries. For a quick stop, our Espresso Bar by Muriel’s serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, salads and bakes.