There aren’t a whole lot of free things to do in London.
But – unlike almost any other major city – London’s art galleries are exactly that… and The National Gallery’s a stalwart which Londoners often overlook.
Founded in 1824 after the British government bought a tidy collection of 38 pictures from banker John Julius, it now boasts London’s largest collection of European art, dating all the way back to the mid 13th century.
The building was originally erected in Trafalgar Square so that it could be reached easily by foot (presumably no one was walking from a one bed maisonette in zone 6). Having been added to as recently as 1985 when the Sainsbury Wing was commissioned, the gallery now stands at a colossal 46,369 square metres and houses 2300 paintings, so getting bored isn’t going to be a problem (assuming you like art).
© National Gallery, London
The artworks are split into four different colour coded sections, depending on time period – ranging from Raphael and Leonardo in one room, to Turner and Van Gogh in another. So start in 1200 and time travel right through to the 20th century, or, if you’re short on time (or patience), head straight for your favoured style, time frame or artist.
In addition to this, there are a number of exhibitions which change on a quarterly basis. The gallery’s current (rapturously received) show features just two paintings. The Last Caravaggio, running until 21st July 2024, centres on Martyrdom of Saint Ursula, the final painting by the Italian master of light. In our age of hyper-stimulation, this pared-back display encourages you to pause and soak up every inch of this dramatic scene, which seems to reveal more the more you look at it. Oh, and it’s totally free to visit.
So whether you stay for an hour, or a day…
…you’re bound to get your money’s worth.
NOTE: The National Gallery is open daily from 10am-6pm (9pm on Fridays). For more information, and to book tickets to their temporary exhibitions, visit their website here.
National Gallery | Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, WC2N 5DN
Feeling peckish? Head to one of these fine Covent Garden restaurants afterwards