London - National Gallery

 
The National Gallery possesses one of the most valuable and comprehensive collections of pictures in the world. The building in which they are housed was designed by William Wilkins and was completed in 1838. From the terrace there is a view of Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. Outside the building stands the monument of James II as a Roman emperor by Grinling Gibbons (1686) with the inscription "King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland" as well as a bronze replica of the Washington statue by Houdon in Richmond, Virginia.

Must-see attractions nearby:
The gallery was founded in 1824 when Parliament voted £57,000 for the purchase of 38 pictures from the famous Angerstein collection which were first seen in the Angerstein rooms at 100 Pall Mall. Numerous later purchases and donations made it necessary to enlarge the building in 1876 when the dome was added and further extensions were made in 1887, 1927 and 1929. In 1952 the entrance vestibules were decorated with mosaics by Boris Anrep.
Things to See

Read More East Wing

Read More North Wing

Read More Sainsbury Wing

Read More West Wing

Address: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, England
Hours:
10am-6pm; Wed: 10am-9pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Good Friday - Christian
Tips: Admission charge for exhibitions.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides: Interpretive sessions sometimes available.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service
Transit: Underground: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus; Bus: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 30, 53, 88, 94, 109, 159, 176, 177, 184, 196.

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Fountain at the National Gallery in London.Fountain at the National Gallery in London.
Entrance to the National Gallery in London.Entrance to the National Gallery in London.
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