The National Gallery was founded in 1824 and is currently in its third location on Trafalgar Square. The collection contains over 2,300 paintings covering artists from the mid-13th century to 1900. Although the collection is small, it contains very important works of European artists ranging from High Renaissance masters through to Post-Impressionists. The lack of space for its collection lead to the creation of what is now called the Tate Britain. Paintings of artists born after 1790 went to the newly formed Tate.

Admission is free of charge to wonder through the 66 display rooms of one of the world's greatest collection of Western art.