The National Gallery ★★★

The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of Western paintings in the world. From a striking Northern Renaissance collection, to one of Da Vinci's finest, through the Post-Impressionists, a walk through the National Gallery is akin to a stroll through the annals of western civilization's best works. This National Gallery Tour, led by an art historian, will lead us through an in-depth exploration of the Gallery, providing a sense of context and progression to this unparalleled collection.

• National Gallery Tour led by an art historian
• Small group—6 people max
• Includes works from Da Vinci and Van Eyck to Van Gogh and Monet

National Gallery Tour

We begin the visit in the Sainsbury Wing, where the Gallery houses its earliest works—paintings from 1250-1510, encompassing Late Gothic, Early Renaissance, and Renaissance art. Our discussion will revolve around the development of painting, and how the context and function of works of art shaped their appearance from exquisite, jewel-like private devotional altarpieces to Raphael’s grand and spatially sophisticated Ansideialtarpiece. Our course through this wing will depend on our docent's intellectual proclivity and the interests of the group, but our focus will include such works as Paolo Uccello's The Battle of San Romano, Jan Van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait, Botticelli's Venus and Mars, and Leonardo Da Vinci's Venus of the Rocks.

"Really great! We had been to the gallery numerous times but our docent really gave us new insight."

A Walk through Western History

During our walk, we will stop to consider works by artists like Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, discussing their investigations into the human figure and analyzing their use of perspective and light to achieve works of subtle psychological tension and complex but balanced compositions.

We might then move on to discuss how the Baroque artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Caravaggio used compositional devices, such as the structure of the space, the presence of light and shade, and the human figure itself to create dramatic scenes. Alternatively, we could examine the expert handling of paint and subtle control of lighting effects employed by masters of the Dutch ‘Golden Age’ of the seventeenth century, whose portrayal of everyday life was unsurpassed and whose interest in the manipulation of perspectival techniques is epitomized by Van Hoogstraten’s delightful ‘peepshow’ view of a bourgeoisie interior.

Forward in Time

Depending on the interests of the group, we can then explore other periods represented in the Gallery and consider the stylistic and technical devices employed by artists in order to achieve their specific aims, depending on the period, the fashion, or the desires of the patron. We will finish the walk in the late 1800s with works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Vincent Van Gogh, and other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists. In light of the works we have considered throughout the tour, we will examine how these artists challenged the traditional conventions of depiction.

Take Aways

This personalized walk through 700 years of Western art and history will supply the visitor with not only a unique visual experience, but also an understanding of key moments, characters, and movements in the history of art.

Looking to explore more art in London? We suggest our Victorian and Albert Museum Tour, or for a more modern look, our Tate Modern Tour.

FAQ

Do we go inside the venues or just see them from the outside?

The tour takes place inside the National Gallery.

Will you pre-purchase tickets?

The permanent collection of the National Gallery is free to visit, so no tickets are required, however donations are appreciated. If you are interested in seeing one of the temporary exhibitions, we advice you book this tour privately. We will arrange for tickets.

Is this tour good for kids?

Yes! We have some excellent family friendly docents who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Also, you may consider our family focused, interactive tours.

Is this a walking intensive tour?

No, all the tour takes place inside the museum. The National Gallery is fully accessible and has plenty of places to sit.

Retaining one of the greatest collections of western art in the world, the National Gallery is a wonderful repository of stories, from the magical to the everyday, from epic tales to biographies, and from the imaginary to the factual. Together, we'll dive into the world of these stories—as well as the stories behind the artists that made them—on this National Gallery for Families Tour, led by an art historian trained in visual learning strategies. Armed with art supplies and our imaginations, we'll not only learn some of the skills necessary to make masterworks like the ones on display, but we'll develop an appreciation for western art through the ages.

Note: Families, we also offer a National Gallery for Families Tour focusing on animals depicted in art throughout the Gallery.

• National Gallery for Families tour led by an art historian.
• Fun, interactive activities
• Detailed explanation of stories that have inspired painters

"She came prepared with tools/activities for the kids and clearly took time to think about how to engage them fully. It was amazing!"

National Gallery For Families Tour

On our journey, we will hear the legends of the Greek and Roman gods, including Mars, the god of war, and Venus, the goddess of love, as well as the fate of Ariadne, who was deserted on an island by her lover, Theseus, and later discovered by the god of wine, Bacchus. We will also see how artists interpreted the stories of the holy books and meet the Queen of Sheba on her journey to test the wisdom of King Solomon with gifts of gold. Or perhaps we will find out the secret of Samson's superhuman strength and discover who betrayed his secret.

Reading a Painting

As we explore, we will learn to decipher the signs and symbols that give us clues to the meaning of different paintings. For example, which saint always holds an arrow and why? Who is dressed in animal skins? Who holds a golden apple, and what does an hourglass symbolize? What does a dog, or a dove, or a horse represent in a painting?

Looking for more family-friendly museum tours in London? Try our Tower of London for Kids or British Museum for Kids Tours.

Interactive Activities

Throughout the walk, we'll also engage with the paintings through a series of interactive activities. Maybe we'll take out our pencils and decide to try our hands at sketching some of the paintings we see—inserting ourselves into the picture! Or, perhaps we'll take a closer look at painting; just how do they get so many colors and textures onto the canvas? Either way, we'll walk away with a deepened appreciation for the craft of some of Europe's masters—and a few new artistic skills.

Take Aways

Over the course of this walk, we will learn how artists over the centuries have translated the great literary and oral narratives from words to paint as we hear and see these stories. The west has a rich culture of storytelling that has inspired countless retellings, and together with our docent we will discover these tales on our journey around the National Gallery.

FAQ

Where do we meet? Where does it end?

The walk begins and ends inside the museum. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and 24 hour phone number.

Do we need tickets to go inside the National Gallery?

No, the gallery is free to the public, however donations are appreciated. There are donation boxes at all main entrances to the gallery.

Is this tour good for kids?

Absolutely yes! This tour was designed by our museum educators and docents to be fun and interactive. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible docent.

Is this walk accessible to wheelchair users?

Yes, the gallery is fully accessible.

From corgis to stallions, animals have always been important companions to kings, queens, knights, and saints. On this 2-hour National Gallery for Families Tour, we'll take an adventurous visit to London's National Gallery to meet tamed dragons, alluring cats, and trustworthy dogs. We'll learn about these beloved animals' relationships with their owners as well as the painter depicting them, and how the stories of history's greatest personalities are often linked to that of their pets—making some drawings of our own along the way.

Note: Families, we also offer a National Gallery for Families Tour focusing on the gods, goddesses, and other characters to be found in the Gallery.

• Introduces children to art through fun activities
• Led by an art historian trained to work with children.
• Incorporates activities to stimulate learning in a fun and engaging way.

National Gallery for Families Tour

During the walk, we may encounter the famous rhinoceros Miss Clara, a celebrity of the 18th century that toured Europe and was painted by Pietro Longhi in 1751 in Venice, or the incredible Whistlejacket that George Stubbs depicted in 1762 for the Marquess of Rockingham. Regardless, this fun and interactive history of animals also tells their story as companions to the greatest figures of British history. Using the National Gallery as our canvas, we'll weave a narrative that takes us from the the spaniels of the Tudor court, to Winston Churchill's dog Rufus II, to Queen Elizabeth II's famous Welsh Corgis.

Looking for this tour for adults? Try our National Gallery Tour.

Interactive Activities

Meanwhile, we'll have fun throughout the walk with a range of fun activities for kids and parents. Maybe we'll pick our favorite animals and draw a coat of arms. Or, perhaps we'll draw ourselves with our pets, thinking about what the different symbols in portraits mean. We might even use our imaginations to come up with a fantasy beast, then draw it! No matter what, we'll walk away from this tour with a better understanding of what it takes to draw animals—and what the animals mean.

Take Aways

By the end of the tour, both kids and their lucky parents will have developed a deeper appreciation for the many fascinating characters and stories to be found throughout the National Gallery. Children and adults will come away with a better understanding of British history, and the importance of painting both through history and today. We'll learn about the important role that pets have played throughout history and how they were represented in art. Additionally, we'll explore why some people wanted unusual animals in their paintings, ranging from a phoenix or dragon, to an owl or monkey.

FAQ

Is this walk appropriate for small children?

Yes, we designed this walk with young children in mind. Thanks to our approach and activities they will learn about art through the familiar subject of pets.

What kind of activities will you be doing?

Depending on the children's learning styles we may do drawings, act painting scenes, ask them to describe a scene. Each docent is equipped with tools and techniques.

Is the gallery accessible?

Yes, the gallery is fully accessible to wheelchairs. Four entrances have level access: the Getty, Sainsbury Wing, National Café and Pigott Education Centre entrances.

The tour starts at Charing Cross, in the Strand, right in the heart of London. A short walk leads you to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Hear how the Charing Cross commemorates an amazing royal wife, Eleanor of Castile (died 1290), and how the place used to mark the centre of London. It stands by the site of the factory where the 10 year old Charles Dickens was forced to work when family circumstances declined. Then, heading into Trafalgar Square, you’ll see and hear about the various statues of important historical figures, the Nelson’s column, the church of St.Martin in the Fields, the South Africa House and Canada House with its rooftop beehives. This is where Londoners march, make demonstrations and celebrations (especially in New Year’s Eve) and sing Christmas carols and so much more.

Then, enter the National Gallery which, with its 2,500 paintings is one of the richest and most important art collections in the world. Our highlights tour will give us a panorama of Western European art from the 1200s to the early 1900s. Your guide will cover all the major European schools of painting with masterpieces from Italy, the Low Countries, France, Britain, Germany and Spain.

You can tick many of the greatest artists off your list: Duccio, Giotto, Pisanello, Raphael, Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio; Van Eyck, Van Der Weyden, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Reubens and Van Dyck; Claude, Poussin and some of the Impressionists; Hogarth, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Stubbs and Turner; Holbein, Cranach and Durer; Velasquez, Murillo and Goya.

Note:If any rooms are closed or particular artworks are away on loan, the guide will make an equally wonderful alternative selection of masterpiece paintings to show you.

See the best of London’s National Gallery, one of the world’s most visited art museums, on this private 3.5-hour tour. With a specialist art historian guide, tick off the gallery’s most impressive paintings and learn more about the artists behind them. Get up close to works by the Italian greats, including da Vinci and Michelangelo, and Flemish masterpieces from the likes of Rubens and Campin. You’ll also take in timeless paintings by French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists such as Monet, Renoir, Picasso and Cezanne.
Choose from a morning or afternoon tour, and then make your own way to the National Gallery, a striking Pantheon-style art museum raised on a terrace overlooking Nelson’s Column and the iconic lion statues in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Meet your guide, an art history specialist, and then head inside to trace European art across the centuries. The National Gallery boasts one of Europe’s greatest collections of paintings by the Old Masters (European artists whose notable works were produced between the Renaissance and 18th century), and houses more than 2,300 artworks dating from the Middle Ages through the 20th century.
Stroll from room to room, taking in the mosaic floors, marble pillars and floor-to-ceiling art, and listen as your specialist guide talks you through the gallery’s key masterpieces as well as the artists behind them.
Throughout your private tour, pay special attention to the Italian greats — from the 13th-century Masters to the High Renaissance of Piero della Francesca, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo — and the Flemish school of art, including works by Rubens, van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden and Campin, considered by many to be the first great master of Flemish and Early Netherlandish painting.
See, too, masterpieces from Rembrandt, as well as the gallery’s French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists collection, one of the finest of its kind in the world — crammed with timeless works by Renoir, Monet, Pisarro, Cezanne, van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.
After roughly 3.5 hours, your tour concludes inside the National Gallery, leaving you free to continue exploring independently, should you wish.

Instead of browsing  the National Gallery aimlessly, immerse yourself in the techniques and history behind some of the world’s most famous artists with a professional guide. You’ve heard of Van Gogh and da Vinci, but what do you really know about them? Learn about the painters behind the paintings. Browse your favorite works by other masters like Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. If none of those names mean anything to you, that will change by the end of the tour.

The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. Learn essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2,300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.

Begin your half day experience by exploring the cultures and civilizations through the monumental collection at the British Museum spanning 6000 years of human history. It features items from all over the world like Samurai armor and rare Assyrian lion hunt reliefs. Your guide will take a serious but enjoyable approach towards the museum’s galleries, discussing primitive tribes and fallen empires through a carefully chosen selection of items. You’ll learn about the Mummy of Katebet, the Lewis Chessmen, and the Rosetta Stone – the actual rock, not the language learning program. Walk away with an understanding of what we humans have achieved during our short history and hopefully you’ll be proud to call yourself a part of this incredible species.

After a break for lunch, learn about the master painters whose names fill the halls of the National Gallery. You’ve heard of Seurat and da Vinci, but what do you really know about them? Learn about the painters behind the paintings as we browse our favorite works by other masters like Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. If none of those names mean anything to you, your guide will make sure that changes by the end of the tour. The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your tour, you'll be arm with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.

Begin our half day experience by learning about the master painters whose names fill the halls of the National Gallery. It’s a hodgepodge of eras and styles, and we’ll make sense of it for you so that you can appreciate and moreover enjoy this iconic collection. Discover the history and anecdotes behind the works of artists like Da Vinci, Velázquez, and Botticelli. The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your tour, we’ll arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.

After a break for lunch, you will then go on to explore the diverse neighborhood that is the East End. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is a melting pot, alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorite shops and vendors at Spitalfields Market. By the end of the day you’ll understand why London attracts so many upcoming artists.

Explore a world-class art collection with our energetic guides in the National Gallery. You’ve heard of Seurat and da Vinci, but what do you really know about them? Learn about the painters behind the paintings as we browse our favorite works by other masters like Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. If none of those names mean anything to you, we’ll make sure that changes by the end of the tour.

The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your tour, we’ll arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.

After a break for lunch, we will go back to the very beginning of London’s two millennia history in the City, the site of a Roman settlement that became the epicenter of one of the world’s most bustling cities and financial centers. Wander through this tangle of hidden sights to stumble upon the 12th century Temple Church, home to the Knights Templar. Fast-forward through history to discover the medieval Tower of London, home to the beefeaters. Learn about the great fire of 1666 that decimated the city at the Monument before marveling at the domed masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, rebuilt after the tragedy. You’ll score picturesque views along the Thames, the river spanned by the iconic 19th century Tower Bridge and more modern Millennium Bridge. Your energetic guide will bring London’s long history to life as you weave through the skyscrapers that hide some of its best kept stories.

Explore a world-class art collection with our energetic guides in the National Gallery. You’ve heard of Seurat and da Vinci, but what do you really know about them? Learn about the painters behind the paintings as we browse our favorite works by other masters like Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. If none of those names mean anything to you, we’ll make sure that changes by the end of the tour.
 
The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your private tour, we’ll arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.

After a break for lunch, we will go back to the very beginning of London’s two millennia history in the City, the site of a Roman settlement that became the epicenter of one of the world’s most bustling cities and financial centers. Wander through this tangle of hidden sights to stumble upon the 12th century Temple Church, home to the Knights Templar. Fast-forward through history to discover the medieval Tower of London, home to the beefeaters. Learn about the great fire of 1666 that decimated the city at the Monument before marveling at the domed masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, rebuilt after the tragedy. You’ll score picturesque views along the Thames, the river spanned by the iconic 19th century Tower Bridge and more modern Millennium Bridge. Your energetic guide will bring London’s long history to life as you weave through the skyscrapers that hide some of its best kept stories.

Meet your private guide outside the British Museum at 10am, then step inside to begin your 5-hour tour.

At The British Museum discover valuable treasures such as the Mummy of Katebet, the Oxus Treasure, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Rosetta Stone. During your tour, explore 6,000 years of human history and learn of primitive tribes and mighty empires through the ages.

After lunch (own expense), head onward to the National Gallery Admire works such as Johannes Vermeer’s A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal, Jan van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, or Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and hear essential details on the meanings behind the works. Explore the galleries and hallways — home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt, and Vermeer — and gain insight into art history dating back to the 14th century.

When your guided visit comes to an end, continue exploring at your leisure or step outside to conclude your tour.

Begin our half day experience by learning about the master painters whose names fill the halls of the National Gallery. It’s a hodgepodge of eras and styles, and we’ll make sense of it for you so that you can appreciate and moreover enjoy this iconic collection. Discover the history and anecdotes behind the works of artists like Da Vinci, Velázquez, and Botticelli. The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your private tour, your charming young guide will arm you with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.

After a break for lunch, you will then go on to explore the diverse neighborhood that is the East End. Notorious as the hunting ground of 19th century serial killer Jack the Ripper, it’s now home to London's best street art including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. The East End is a melting pot, alive with contradictions and colorful characters, and we’ll introduce you to our favorite shops and vendors at Spitalfields Market. By the end of the day you’ll understand why London attracts so many upcoming artists.

Instead of browsing the National Galley aimlessly, let your guide immerse you in the techniques and history behind some of the world’s most famous artists. You’ve heard of Seurat and da Vinci, but what do you really know about them? Learn about the painters behind the paintings as we browse our favorite works by other masters like Botticelli, Monet, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. If none of those names mean anything to you, we’ll make sure that changes by the end of the tour.

The National Gallery houses paintings dating back to the 1300s all the way up through the 1900s, so there is no shortage of choice. Visit Jan van Eyck’s “The Arnolfini Portrait” or something more familiar like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” to understand the full scope of work on display. During your tour, you'll be armed with the essential information and history needed to appreciate the more than 2300 paintings on display at one of the world’s most visited museums.