Minibus Hire National Gallery

One of the benefits of renting a minibus for your visit to the National Gallery is having a designated driver at your disposal. This perk saves you from the trouble of driving streets and dealing with traffic allowing you to unwind and fully savour your outing.

When choosing a rental service it's crucial to ensure that their drivers are experienced and well versed in the area. This does not improve your safety. Also offers valuable insights into optimal routes and parking options near the National Gallery.

Minibuses provide convenience when it comes to pick up and drop off points. You can schedule the minibus to pick up your group from a location making it simpler for everyone to assemble before heading to the museum. Following an enriching day, at the National Gallery you can also arrange drop offs at locations that suit everyone in your group. This removes the hassle of coordinating transportation logistics.

The National Gallery in London is widely considered the art museum in the United Kingdom showcasing works by artists like Da Vinci, Botticelli and Van Gogh. Established in 1824 and located on the side of Trafalgar Square it holds a varied collection ranging from the Italian Renaissance to French Impressionism and even back to mediaeval times. This diverse range of art attracts millions of visitors every year.

Interestingly the National Gallery wasn't always based in London. It originated from 38 artworks acquired by the government from John Julius Angersteins collection after his passing. Initially displayed at Angersteins residence on Pall Mall, the collection soon outgrew its space leading to the creation of the gallery at Trafalgar Square – its third home.

The gallery’s architecture is truly impressive adding to its charm as a tourist destination in the country. With ceilings and glass domed roofs creating an ambiance, intricate mosaics on the entrance floor depict scenes of life's joys, work and modern values vividly.

The Gallery's main floor is divided into four wings, each focusing on an era, in art history and presented in an order;

• The Sainsbury Wing features Medieval and Early Renaissance artworks from 1250 to 1500.
• The West Wing showcases the High Renaissance pieces from 1500 to 1600.
• The North Wing highlights the Baroque Era artworks from 1600 to 1700.
• The East Wing houses works from the 1700s to the Century, including creations from the Romantic, Realist and Impressionist movements.

There are three entrances to access the National Gallery: the Sainsbury Wing entrance (located in a building, on the left of the main entrance) and the Getty entrance all facing Trafalgar Square. If you're eager to explore the masterpieces, we suggest starting your journey through the Sainsbury Wing.

Need To Know Basis

• How Much Does It Cost? 

The gallery offers free admission to its permanent collection, allowing you to explore and enjoy it without any cost. While special exhibitions require individual entry fees, the permanent exhibits provide ample entertainment at no charge.

• Where is it again? 

Ever wondered about that grand building with all the columns at the edge of Trafalgar Square? That’s the National Gallery. Although Trafalgar Square lacks a tube stop, you can easily reach it by getting off at Charing Cross on the Bakerloo or Northern line. Alternatively, Leicester Square (Piccadilly Line) is just a short walk away.

• When can I go? 

The gallery welcomes visitors daily, except on Christmas, from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 9 PM. To save time, please ensure you pre-book your ticket.

• How long should I spend there?

You could easily spend the whole day here, but three hours will give you a thorough overview. Since admission is free, you can also drop by briefly to admire a favourite painting. However, a couple of hours should suffice.

After plunging into the rich history of the National Gallery, it's time to check out its priceless collections.

Tour Route

The artworks at the National Gallery are arranged in order making it simple for visitors to track the development of art over the centuries. The museum is divided into sections, each marked with a colour to help visitors move around effortlessly.

• Rooms 1 to 8 (Red): These rooms showcase artwork from the 13th to the century including pieces by Italian Renaissance artists such as Giotto, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci.
• Rooms 9 to 14 (Orange): In this area you will find paintings from the High Renaissance and early Baroque periods featuring works by Raphael, Titian and Veronese.
• Rooms 15 to 32 (Yellow): These rooms span across centuries. Display masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, as well as Flemish and Dutch artists from the 17th century.
• Rooms 33 to 46 (Green): Here you can explore works from the Spanish eras by artists like Poussin, Claude Lorrain and Velázquez.
• Rooms 47 to 66 (Blue): This section presents paintings from the late 18th to centuries with pieces by Goya, Turner and Constable.
• Rooms 67 to 87 (Purple): These rooms exhibit artworks ranging from the century to the period with a focus on artists such as Monet, Van Gogh and Cézanne.

National Gallery FAQs

Here are some common questions people often ask about visiting the National Gallery.

• Is it free to enter the National Gallery, in London?

There is no fee to access the collection at the gallery. You will need to buy a ticket for special exhibitions.

• Can I stop by the National Gallery shop?

The shop is open every day. You can browse at your own pace after exploring the gallery. You can head straight to the shop from the Sainsbury Wing entrance. You also have the option to shop online on their website.

• Does the National Gallery have a restaurant?

Yes, there are dining options within the National Gallery. The eateries and cafes offer dishes and beverages inspired by exhibitions or artworks in the museums collection.

Some Pro Tips

• Arrive early to enjoy exploring the galleries before they become crowded
• Get a guide, for a self-guided tour
• Take part in guided tours led by volunteers daily
• Don't forget to visit gift shops for souvenirs and replicas of famous paintings
• Explore special exhibits that change regularly featuring modern art, photography and other temporary collections.