The National Gallery is free to visit. There is a charge for some exhibitions
Advanced booking is recommended to help plan your visit and to receive updates before you arrive
Open daily 10am–6pm and Friday until 9pm (Closed 24–26 December and 1 January)
There are extended exhibition opening hours on select weekends
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Free exhibitions are included with general admission.
Join today to see all our exhibitions first.
And for free.
Membership is the best way to see our current exhibition 'Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers'.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-century exhibition.
Tickets include general admission.
Advance booking highly recommended. Until 19 January 2025
Book a free general admission ticket to help save time on arrival and to receive updates ahead of your visit. Tickets include entry to our collection and free exhibitions.
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.
We are making some exciting changes to the building: providing a first-class welcome for you and millions of visitors each year, creating a dedicated space for our Members and supporters, and upgrading the Learning and Research facilities.
These changes will help more people get closer to the collection.
While the Sainsbury Wing is closed, many of the paintings have been redisplayed across the Gallery. We strongly recommend you book a ticket online ahead of your visit to the Gallery and please check the floorplan for up-to-date room closures and the painting pages for the current location of your paintings.
Thank you for bearing with us.
We have several entrances. Our main, free Gallery entrance is the Portico, with step-free access at the Getty Entrance. All doors into the Gallery have walk-through metal detectors where we inspect bags and rucksacks.
Our main entrance, the Portico, is at the centre of the Gallery overlooking Trafalgar Square. There are two queues at the Portico Entrance including a priority queue for Members and Supporters.
The Getty Entrance is on the east side of Trafalgar Square and is for visitors with an exhibition ticket and visitors with mobility access requirements. It has step-free access.
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.
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.
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.
Shop and refresh during your visit.
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 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 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.
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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.
To help us keep the Gallery a safe and enjoyable place for everyone, please follow the guidelines listed in our Visitor Admissions Policy.
Public transport
Walking
Cycling
Car