Museum · London
The National Gallery: free entry days, tickets & hours
Independent guide, not the official National Gallery website. Official links are under Sources.
National Gallery is free to enter.
- Open today 10:00–21:00.
- Also free: 'Renoir and Love' exhibition free for under-18s (until 31 Jan 2027).
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Book the free general-admission ticket for fast-track entry, or just walk up.
- Friday is the late opening (to 9pm); on Friday evenings until 15 January 2027 the Renoir exhibition is pay-what-you-wish from £1.
- Building works mean some rooms are closed; check the floorplan if you want a specific painting.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeGeneral admission is free for everyone | everyone | Paid exhibitions (currently 'Renoir and Love') are extra. Free audio guide available. | No |
| Free for'Renoir and Love' exhibition free for under-18s (until 31 Jan 2027) | under-18s | Applies to the paid Renoir exhibition. | No |
Official prices
National Gallery ticket prices
| 'Renoir and Love' exhibition, off-peak Sunday-Thursday (£25 Fri-Sat) — Impressionist love, friendship and everyday joy. On Friday evenings until 15 Jan 2027 you pay what you wish (from £1). | £20 |
Prices from the official website, checked Oct 2026. Free options are listed above.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: National Gallery
GetYourGuideLondon: National Gallery Guided Tour with Art Expert Guide★★★★★ 4.7 · 505 reviews1 hourfrom £19
GetYourGuideLondon: 2h National Gallery Guided Tour - Priority Entrance★★★★★ 5.0 · 338 reviews2 hoursfrom £19.99
GetYourGuideLondon: National Gallery of London Masterpieces Guided Tour★★★★★ 4.9 · 86 reviews2.5 hoursfrom £87.88
GetYourGuideLondon: National Gallery Guided Tour★★★★☆ 4.4 · 71 reviews1.5 hoursfrom £25
TiqetsThe National Gallery: Fast Track Ticket + Guided Tour for Children★★★★★ 5.0 · 7 reviews1 hoursfrom £22
All tickets and tours on GetYourGuide
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 10:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00–18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–21:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–18:00 |
Daily 10am-6pm, Fridays until 9pm. Entrance via the Sainsbury Wing. Closed 24-26 December and 1 January.
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
FAQ
National Gallery: common questions
Is National Gallery free?
Yes — National Gallery is free to enter. Also free: 'Renoir and Love' exhibition free for under-18s (until 31 Jan 2027).
Who gets free entry to National Gallery?
Under-18s — applies to the paid Renoir exhibition..
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about National Gallery
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Sources
Where this comes from
- nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/plan-your-visit · checked Friday, 23 October 2026
- nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/renoir-and-love · checked Friday, 23 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.