The National Gallery

The National Gallery in London contains over 2,300 paintings and is one of the greatest collections of Western European art in the world. The Gallery is situated in a Grade I listed building between the north side of Trafalgar Square and Orange Street. Its impressive porticos and dome are an established London landmark and one of its most famous visitor attractions. 

The National Gallery was founded in 1824 when the House of Commons agreed to pay £57,000 for the picture collection of John Julius Angerstein. There were thirty-eight pictures in the collection, and these were the start of a national collection which was to be made available for the enjoyment and education of all.

The paintings in the National Gallery date from 1250 to the early 1900s. Highlights of the collection include Van Eyck's 'Arnolfini Portrait', Piero della Francesca's 'Baptism of Christ', Constable's 'Hay Wain', Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers', Cezanne's 'Bathers,' and Monet's 'Water-Lilies'. The Gallery also houses works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Titian, Holbein, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Seurat, and Picasso, plus many others.

Entrance to the National Gallery is free although there may be a charge for some exhibitions. The gallery is open daily. You can enjoy free guided tours and talks, or use the award-winning interactive guide Art-Start. The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross, Leicester Square, and Embankment.

Radisson Edwardian hotels in this area

If you're looking for a hotel in London that's close to the National Gallery, there are a wide range of 4 and 5 star Radisson Edwardian hotel options.

The Radisson Edwardian Hampshire Hotel is a five star hotel in Leicester Square, the heart of London's theatre land. It offers grandeur and comfort, with mahogany-panelled walls, classic art, and bedrooms decorated with English fabrics and marble. The Hampshire's location, on the corner of Leicester Square, makes it an excellent base for exploring London. With its lively bar and restaurant serving the finest modern British and Mediterranean cuisine this is a fantastic base from which to explore London. The hotel has complimentary wireless Internet access, a 24 hour business centre, and a fitness centre. So whether you're in London to work or play the Hampshire makes the perfect place to stay. 
                                      
The Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is a 4 star hotel in St. Martin's Street, just off Leicester Square. This intimate boutique hotel offers all the benefits of a central location but is tucked away in a quiet street off London's theatre land. Its luxurious rooms offer sleek black slate bathrooms, Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, and beautiful Baccarat lighting. The hotel has a bar and restaurant, fitness centre, 24 hour business centre, 24 hour room service, and complimentary wireless internet access. If you're looking for a relaxing hideaway in a central location, the Radisson Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel is the one for you.

The Radisson Edwardian Mountbatten Hotel is a 4 star hotel in Seven Dials, Covent Garden. This discreet, boutique hotel is a byword for understated elegance, and its public areas feature silk chenille fabrics, 'leopard' hide chairs, Phillipe Hurel chocolate leather sofas, and a collection of framed Japanese artefacts. The Mountbatten has a business centre, fitness centre, and complimentary wireless access. The hotel's deluxe facilities and prime location make it the perfect London base for the business or leisure traveller.

The May Fair hotel is a 5 star hotel located in Stratton Street, in London's exclusive Mayfair. This historic building, opened by King George V in 1927, recently underwent a £70 million refurbishment. The result is an oasis of contemporary chic, with sofas and chairs by Fendi, chandeliers by Baccarat, and paintings from St Petersburg. The Mayfair is superbly located for the sights of London, and is close to Green Park underground. It also has its own attractions too: the award-winning Amba Bar and Grill, the May Fair Bar, and the Palm Beach Casino. The Mayfair is equipped with a luxury spa, complimentary wireless broadband, and a 24 hour business centre, so whether you're planning a trip for business or pleasure, this hotel is sure to please. 

Save money on entry to paid exhibitions at the National Gallery

With our 'Let loose in London' scheme, you get a discounted hotel package at a London Radisson Edwardian hotel of your choice, plus exclusive special offers and discounts at some of London's finest galleries, theatres, restaurants and tourist attractions.

The discount booklet includes a voucher for the National Gallery which gives you concessionary rate entry for up to two people to see the exhibition Renaissance Siena: Art for a City, 24th October 2007 to 13th January 2008.