The story of European art
This vast palace of art on Trafalgar Square displays the grand tradition of European painting in all its glory. One of the world’s great national collections, it was founded in 1824 under the auspices of the House of Commons, with the belief in art’s edifying virtues for all classes of society. The focus of national pride for centuries, this museum is home to many of England’s important collections. There is no shortage of masterpieces among the 2,300 works on display, which span from the 13th century to the early 20th century. The gallery has also been extended several times to house the growing collection and even birthed the National Gallery, Millbank in 1917, which is today known as Tate Britain. Some of the most famous works in the collection include Van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” (1434), Velázquez’s “The Rokeby Venus” (1647-51), Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire” (1839) and Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” (1888). The National Gallery celebrated its bicentenary in 2024 by hosting major exhibitions, including its first on Van Gogh.
Opened in June 2025, the new Supporters' House offers exclusive spaces to unwind, dine or host at the National Gallery. With a special entrance on Trafalgar Square and step-free access through the Gallery, this dedicated members' area designed by Studio Linse includes a lounge bar, restaurant, private dining room, and salon spaces, with food and drink by Giorgio Locatelli, in the oldest part of the National Gallery building. To reserve a table for lunch, please visit the Supporter's House website here.
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