Welcome Day at the National Gallery

On Sunday May 4th the National Gallery is throwing open its doors and welcoming visitors for the day of free events.

Read on for more details...

For one day only visitors will be able to view the Pompeo Batoni exhibition for free at the National Gallery. Don't miss your chance to discover the work of an artist who was the most celebrated painter in 18th-century Rome. At the height of the Grand Tour era, British aristocrats flocked to Batoni's studio to be painted on their travels.
Throughout the day visitors will be able to listen to live music Sainsbury Wing Foyer and explore the collection taking in some of the most famous and beautiful paintings in the world 60 minute guided tours are taking place at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

'Phantom' is an atmospheric exhibition of new work by Alison Watt, marking the end of her two-year residency as Associate Artist at the National Gallery. Watt's large-scale paintings demonstrate a deep fascination with the suggestive power of fabric. Discover how the National Gallery's 'Saint Francis in Meditation' by Zurbarán has inspired her work currently showing in the Sunley Room.

Children and families can enjoy themed activities, trails and audio tours created especially for families to enjoy and learn together. Hands on workshops will encourage young children to have fun drawing, painting or making things in these artist-led workshops.
 
For younger children Magic Carpet storytelling sessions will be taking place. Storytelling sessions last half an hour and tie in with the hands-on art workshop themes.

These fantastic events are taking place on Sunday May 4th from 10am to 6pm.

Find out more about events at the National Gallery.

How to get there

The closest tube and train station to Trafalgar Square is Charring Cross.

If on the bus the 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176 and the 453 all serve Trafalgar Square.

Image
Pompeo Batoni (1708-87)
Louisa Grenville, later Countess Stanhope, 1761
The Board of Trustees of the Chevening Estate
© Photo Courtesy of the owner