National Gallery, London: a practical visitor guide
Quick answer
The National Gallery in London is free and open daily 10am–6pm, with late opening until 9pm on Fridays. Since May 2025 the main entrance is the Sainsbury Wing. Two hours covers Sunflowers, The Ambassadors and the Rokeby Venus; allow half a day for a relaxed visit.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
More National Gallery, London guides
- National Gallery in 2 hoursA 2-hour route through the National Gallery London: Van Eyck, Leonardo, Holbein, Velázquez, Turner, Constable, Monet and Van Gogh, with timings and tips.
- Hours & free entryThe National Gallery London is free: opening hours, Friday late opening until 9pm, the Sainsbury Wing entrance and the best time to avoid crowds.
- Must-see paintingsThe 12 key paintings at the National Gallery London with room numbers: Sunflowers, The Ambassadors, Rokeby Venus, Arnolfini, Turner and more.
- National Gallery with kidsHow to visit the National Gallery London with kids: a 75-minute route, looking games, free entry, Friday evenings and practical family tips.
Point your camera at any artwork
Try it free at National Gallery, London
AnyArt recognizes paintings, sculptures and monuments and tells you their story in seconds, like a personal audio guide. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android.
Why the National Gallery is a must
It holds more than 2,300 European paintings from 1250 to 1900: Leonardo, Velázquez, Van Eyck, Turner, Constable, Van Gogh and Monet. It sits on Trafalgar Square, it is free and the hang is chronological, which makes it easy to choose an era. The earliest rooms are in the Sainsbury Wing.
How to plan your visit
- Since 10 May 2025 the refurbished Sainsbury Wing, closed for two years, is the main entrance, with a roomier foyer and a big screen showing paintings in close-up.
- Entry is free; special exhibitions are ticketed, so book if they interest you.
- Fridays are open until 9pm, a quieter alternative.
- Pick up a floor plan at the entrance: works change rooms for loans and restoration.
- With the AnyArt app, point your camera at any painting to hear its story, an alternative to an audio guide.
Combine it with central London
It is next to the National Portrait Gallery and Trafalgar Square and a short walk from Covent Garden and St James's Park. In one day you can pair it with the British Museum in the morning or Tate Modern by the Thames.
Frequently asked questions
Is the National Gallery in London free?
Yes, entry to the permanent collection is free. Special exhibitions are ticketed.
How long do you need?
Two hours covers the masterpieces. For a relaxed visit, plan 3 to 4 hours.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 6pm daily and until 9pm on Fridays. Check the official website for holiday closures.
Which entrance should I use?
Since 10 May 2025 the Sainsbury Wing is the main entrance.
Where are Van Gogh's Sunflowers?
In room 43. Check the floor plan in case they have moved.