Point of interest
National Gallery
in London, United Kingdom
On Trafalgar Square: Western European painting from Van Eyck to Van Gogh, free to enter.
Where it is
The National Gallery dominates the north side of Trafalgar Square in the heart of London's West End, near Charing Cross station.
Address: Charing Cross Road, WC2N 5DN City of Westminster
What it is
The collection holds more than 2,300 paintings from the 13th century to 1900, with masterpieces by Leonardo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Turner, Velázquez and Van Gogh. Entry is free, making it one of the city's most rewarding art visits.
History
The gallery was founded in 1824 when the government bought 38 paintings, and it moved into its present building on Trafalgar Square in 1838. It has since grown into one of the most important collections of Western European painting.