Before you arrive ·
Getting in and finding the galleries
Enter through the Sainsbury Wing for free collection admission. Book a free fast-track slot or join the walk-up entry.

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The collection has free general admission. You can book a free fast-track entry or arrive without a booking. Special exhibitions can have separate tickets and conditions. Choose the visit you want before booking so you do not confuse collection entry with an exhibition.
The main entrance is in the Sainsbury Wing on the Trafalgar Square side of the building. It is step-free, with bag screening on arrival. The Portico at the centre of the older facade is an exit.
The painting galleries are mainly on Level 2, reached by stair or lift from the foyer. Allow additional time for entering and finding your first room. The opening-hours panel gives the day’s schedule, including the later Friday opening. A tour’s suggested duration begins after the arrival process and includes time to look and move between its stops.
Photo gallery 1
Image credits
- xiquinhosilva · Central Hall, National Gallery.jpg · CC BY 2.0 · WebP / AVIF
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/bryansjs · Entrance hall of the National Gallery, looking north.jpg · CC BY-SA 2.0 · WebP / AVIF
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/bryansjs · Entrance hall of the National Gallery, looking south.jpg · CC BY-SA 2.0 · WebP / AVIF
- Diego Delso · Bóveda de la sala 36, Galería Nacional, Londres, Inglaterra, 2014-08-11, DD 165-167 HDR.JPG · CC BY-SA 4.0 · WebP / AVIF
- Philafrenzy · National Gallery Sainsbury Wing staircase.jpg · CC0 · WebP / AVIF