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National Gallery Review

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National Gallery

Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN | Map It
Phone: 020/7747-2885
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Category: Museums/Galleries
Location: Westminster and Royal London

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 5.0/5

Fodor's Review:

Standing proudly at the top of Trafalgar Square is one of the world's best art collections. The gallery fills the north side of the square, with Nelson's column in the center.

Highlights

This brief selection is your jumping-off point, but there are hundreds more, enough to fill a full day. In chronological order: (1) Van Eyck (circa 1395-1441), The Arolfini Portrait—a solemn couple holds hands, the fish-eye mirror behind them mysteriously illuminating what can't be seen from the front view. (2) Holbein (1497-1543), The Ambassadors—two wealthy visitors from France are depicted surrounded by what were considered luxury goods at the time, such as musical instruments, a book of mathematics, and items for studying astronomy. (3) Botticelli (1445-1510), Venus and Mars—Mars sleeps, exhausted by the love goddess, oblivious to the lance weilded by mischievous cherubs. (4) Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), The Virgin and Child—this haunting black-chalk cartoon is partly famous for having been attacked at gunpoint, and it now gets extra protection behing glass. (5) Caravaggio (1573-1610), The Supper at Emmaus—a cinematically lightened, freshly resurrected Christ blesses bread in an astonishingly domestic vision from the master of chiaroscuro. (6) Constable (1776-1837), The Hay Wain—rendered overfamiliar by too many greeting cards, this is the definitive image of golden-age rural England. (7) Turner (1775-1851), The Fighting Téméraire—the final voyage of the great French bettleship into a livid, hazy sunset. (8) Seurat (1859-91), Bathers at Asnières—this static summer day's idyll is one of the pointillist extraordinaire's best-known works.

Tips

Color coding throughout the galleries helps you keep track of the period you're immersed in.

Begin at an "Art Start" terminal in the Sainsbury Wing or East Wing Espresso Bar. The interactive screens give you access to information on all of the museum's holdings; you can choose your favorites, and print out a free personal tour map.

Want some stimulation? Try a free weekday lunchtime lecture, or Ten Minute Talk, which illuminates the story behind a key work of art.

One-hour free, guided tours start at the Sainsbury Wing daily at 11:30 and 2:30.

If you are eager for even more insight into the art, pick up a themed audio guide, which takes in about 20 paintings.

If you visit during school holidays, don't miss special programs and trails for children. There are also free Family Sundays with special talks for children and their parents.

Cost: Free, charge for special exhibitions
Open: Thurs.-Tues. 10-6, Wed. 10-9
Tube: Charing Cross, Embankment, Leicester Square

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 4/2/08
One of the major art museums of Europe, with a large, high quality collection of paintings from all but the contemporary era. It's also free, but don't be surprised to find it crowded. A must see.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Experience: 5.0 Ease: 5.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 5.0

Reviewed by leo from Maryland on 1/30/07
Recently, I spent a wonderful Sunday at the National Gallery looking some of the most famous paintings in the world. In every gallery, I spied an "old friend" that I had seen before, and now saw in person. Be sure to look at their website before hand to learn of any special tours etc. I took the free overview tour (about 90 minutes) and we looked closely and discussed 5 paintings (I imagine they rotate those). From their web site I also learned of a special event to meet Titian in his gallery. It was quite magical, and I didnt see anything about it on the day of my visit. I just showed up at the appointed hour and waited and he showed up in costume to discuss his painting and his life. I also rented the audio player, which was very informative. I had a nice quiche and tea in the café. A great way to spend any day.