Review : The National Gallery,London
(photo from 7art-screensavers.com)
Compared to my last post, this is something completely different ! Continuing with my reviews of places I visited in London, this is a review of my visit to The National Gallery. The funny thing about this visit was that it happened by accident. I always take the opportunity of doing lots of walking when I’m in London (its one of the things I miss most when living in Kuwait). One morning I was in Leicester Square and decided to walk to Trafalgar Square. When I arrived I noticed the National Gallery (had no idea it was actually at the top of square!). So as I had a couple of hours free, I decided to check it out.
When I got there I realised that entry was free ! This is London, its 2009, I didn’t think there were any free attractions left. So I picked up a plan of the gallery and started making my way round. I was stunned. Apart from the impressive architecture of the building, the beautiful collection of paintings are amazing. The gallery is well organised with rooms dedicated to paintings from different centuries and countries. I couldn’t believe how many paintings and artists I recognised (I later found out that there are over 2,300 paintings!).
The main hall of the Gallery (Photo from Wikipedia)
Some of the most famous paintings from some of history’s best painters are on dispaly at The National Gallery. Work from artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Caravaggio,Goya, Rembrandt and Titan are all on display. Here are some of my favourites that I saw:
The Water Lily Pond by Monet. My favourite painting by Monet.
Sunflowers by Van Gogh - Probably the most famous painting at The National Gallery
The Grand Canal by Canaletto- This was the first time I had seen paintings by the Italian artist Canaletto who painted different landscapes of his home city of Venice. The detail in his paintings is incredibile and this is probably my favourite.
The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio - Unfortunately there are only 3 Caravaggio paintings in the gallery but this one is wonderful.
The two hours I had was no where near enough time to see the whole gallery. There are just so many great paintings, even from lesser known artists. You can can also pick up a portable audio commentary to tell you info about the many paintings, which if I went again and had plenty of time I would definitely get. The gallery is open 7 days a week and on Fridays it stays open till 9pm. Unfortunately photos are not allowed but there is a great shop which sells prints and books of all the paintings.
Overall
A brilliant experience. You get to see some of the best works of art ever made and all under one roof. The gallery is well organised - its easy to get around and find particular paintings by using the free guide that you can pick up. What is also amazing is that entry is free. I would have happily paid good money because it is truly worth it. Try to give yourself as much time as possible to enjoy (a couple of hours is not enough). Highly Recommended.
Click [here] for the link to the excellent National Gallery website
5 Responses Leave a comment
What a great review…can’t believe it was free to go in!!
I never really appreciated art until I took an A-level in history of art. It was probably one of the best subjects I have taken. Every painting has a story behind it and a lot of the time the artists are in the paintings themselves.
Thanks and yes completely free.
That’s why I think renting the portable guide to listen to when seeing the paintings is a good idea - it will tell you the story.
ahh the national gallery was like my second home 2years ago…I would sit there for hours sketching for my art projects as hundreds of people would walk by..great experience, i miss it!
But it shouldnt really come as a suprise that the entrance is free..most art galleries are (aside from the exhibitions inside)! You should def def check out the Tate Modern and Tate Britain next time! I
OH and def go to the natural history museum as well..its so much fun, esp if youre visiting with kids! =D
I’v been to the Tate Modern about 3 years ago… and I can say its DIFFERENT :)
I’ve been passed the Natural History museum many times but never gone inside. I doubt I will go with any kids but as I’ve been known to be a bit of a kid myself sometimes…I should check it out :)