The National Gallery is on the north side of Trafalgar Square, with an impressive collection of Western European art from the 13th to 19th centuries. Be warned however that its collection is extensive and that trying to 'do it' in a few hours may be doomed to failure.

Its must-see paintings include works by Titian, Seurat, Monet, Vermeer, Cézanne, Gainsborough, Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Caravaggio and Van Gogh.

The National Gallery suffers that unfortunate affliction of being overblessed with masterpieces, meaning that if you plan to skim through in 20 minutes - it's hardly worth it. Put an hour in here or there. Come back. Or stop off on your way to somewhere else. It's the kind of gallery which rewards repeat visits - so give it a whirl.

It's also, due to its central nature, like a 'United Nations' outpost, since at any one time there will be hundreds of languages spoken simultaneously, as herds of visitors drift from gallery to gallery. There isn't really a 'best bit', as to use some inappropriate music industry argot - it's 'all chillers and no fillers'. If I had to tie down the most popular spot, it's probably the room with Seurat's 'Bathers at Asnieres'. It has the highest number of instantly recognisable classics, by Degas, Monet and Manet, amongst others - and tends to evoke a genuine sense of wonder in visitors. Maybe it's the accumulated value of such a collection, but probably not - people can only start to love art when they understand what they're looking at.

 

The National Gallery was built in response to the acquisiton of 36 paintings by the British Government in 1824, and the need to display them somewhere. The present building is the third to house the collection and was supplemented by the Sainsbury's Wing in 1991.

So, if you're not much of an art lover and find yourself in Trafalgar Square when the heavens open. Sprint over to the National Gallery for shelter. Coming at you obliquely, when you're least expecting to be dazzled, you might find a lot to engage you after all. One of a handful of the greatest art collections in the World - and free for you to enjoy.

 

Open daily 10.00-18.00, 21.00 on Wednesdays.

The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN

Call: +44 (0)20 7747 2885

Tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square

 

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