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The National Art Gallery London has one of the finest collections of European paintings, particularly Western European painting from 1250 to the present day. A visit to the National Gallery is an education in itself which echo's with Europe's rich history, legends and myths. With a rich collection of 2000 plus paintings which includes the works of all the renowned European School of Paintings inclusive of masterpieces by some of Europe's great artists, the National Gallery does have a magnetic appeal as far as art and culture is concerned.
You will come face to face with the works of luminaries of the stature of Giovanni Bellini, Van Eyck, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Holbein, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Van Gogh, Gainsborough to name just a few.
The National Art Gallery was set up with the commitment to promote and uphold Europe's rich art culture and with this in mind, the gallery has made itself accessible to one and all. There is no admission fee and it is one London Gallery, which has extended working hours.
Apart from the old building, the National Gallery in London has added a new edifice - The Sainsbury Wing that now displays the Renaissance collection. This new wing has made National Gallery London much more spacious along with improved facilities for visitors. The lighting system of Sainsbury Wing is absolutely top class and uses daylight as much as possible which is well complimented by artificial lighting.
In its efforts to reach out to the common man, the National Gallery has articulation agreements with other museums in UK to popularize art culture as a means of education and lifelong learning. Of particular significance is the "Partnership Scheme" with Bristol's City Museum and the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle wherein a series of themed exhibitions are conducted annually in all the three venues.
The National Gallery collections include monographs, secular and religious iconographies, permanent catalogue collections from museums across the world, a fine collection of publications, over 250 renowned periodicals to name just a few. The gallery's rich collection of 75,000 printed volumes which essentially covers the entire gamut of West European paintings from 13th century to the early 20th century is unmatched by any museum or art gallery in Europe.
After a fascinating tour of the galleries, drop in to the in-house Crivelli's Garden Restaurant which offers a variety of menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is located strategically on Level 1 of the Sainsbury Wing providing breath-taking views of Trafalgar Square. There is also the National Gallery Cafe located on the main building, which serves a wide range of beverages and delectable snacks.
Time permitting; you could also indulge in a bout of shopping at any of the three shops located inside the gallery premises, which caters to anything from guidebooks, art magazines, posters and even jewelry.
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