Introduction The National Gallery is an art museum located in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, Central London, England. It was founded in 1824 and has since grown to house a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The National Gallery is an exempt charity and a non-departmental public body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with its collection belonging to the government on behalf of the British public.
The National Gallery of London, United Kingdom
Introduction
The National Gallery is an art museum located in Trafalgar Square in the City of Westminster, Central London, England. It was founded in 1824 and has since grown to house a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The National Gallery is an exempt charity and a non-departmental public body of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with its collection belonging to the government on behalf of the British public.
History
The National Gallery was established when the British government bought 38 paintings from the heirs of John Julius Angerstein in 1824. The museum's first home was a townhouse at No. 100 Pall Mall, which it shared with the Royal Academy of Arts. In 1838, the National Gallery moved to its current location in Trafalgar Square, where it has remained ever since.
The original building, designed by William Wilkins, was expanded several times throughout the years due to a lack of space. The Sainsbury Wing, a Postmodernist extension built in 1991 by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown, is a notable example of this expansion.
Collection
The National Gallery's collection is encyclopedic in scope, with important works representing most major developments in Western painting from Giotto to Cézanne. The museum has a strong focus on Italian Renaissance art, with notable works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
The collection also includes many British paintings, including works by J.M.W. Turner, Thomas Gainsborough, and John Constable. In addition to its permanent collection, the National Gallery hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase works from other museums and private collections.
Accessibility
The National Gallery is accessible to all visitors, with wheelchair access available throughout the building. The museum offers free guided tours for visitors with disabilities, as well as audio guides in multiple languages.
Visiting Information
The National Gallery is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and until 9:00 pm on Fridays. Admission to the main collection is free, but temporary exhibitions may incur an admission fee. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they are able.
Conclusion
The National Gallery of London, United Kingdom is a world-renowned art museum that houses a vast and diverse collection of Western paintings. With its focus on Italian Renaissance art and British paintings, the museum offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich history of Western art. The National Gallery's commitment to accessibility and free admission makes it an inclusive and welcoming space for all visitors.
The National Gallery [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Gallery]