Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

National Gallery, London

The National Gallery is an art gallery in London, located on the north side of Trafalgar Square. It holds part of the National Collection, particularly Western European art from 1250 to 1900. Some British art is included, but the National Collection of British art from this period is mainly in Tate Britain. The collection of 2300 paintings belongs to the British public, and entry to the main collection is free, though entry to special exhibitions is charged for.

Artists whose work is hung in the National Gallery include:

The collection was established in 1824, when the art collection of John Julius Angerstein was bought for the nation. The gallery was built in the 1830s by architect William Wilkins; it has been expanded four times, most recently with the Sainsbury Wing in 1991 which houses the Gallery's Early Renaissance paintings. This Wing houses works by Van Eyck, Piero della Francesca, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, as well as the Wilton Diptych.

The National Portrait Gallery has an adjoining site on Charing Cross Road.

Nearest London Underground stations:

External link

Official Website: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/