National Gallery

I went to the National Gallery twice during my ten days in London. The first visit was to see an exhibit on Renoir's "Landscapes" and the second was to see the main collection, specifically the three VerMeer paintings that are on permanent display.

As many reviewers have pointed out, admission to the main collection is free and an audio guide is available for a small fee. If the Renoir exhibit is any example, this museum does a fantastic job of putting these on with a very helpful staff.

This is one of the world's premier art museums and should be on any "three day" itinerary of London regardless of your interests.

Really nice museum and the best part- it"s free ( because London is sooo expensive ). We went on a Wednesday because normally they close at 6 but on this day they close at nine. There are less people and you can see the square at night. Well worth the time- just wander around or check out your favourite painters. My personal favourite: Renoir"s Umbrellas.

The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is the high point of any visit to London. If art interests you and you want to see major masterpieces then this gallery is perfect for you. Unlike other national collections this one is in a purpose built building of many rooms that allows you to study the pictures and not become overwhelmed by the volume on display or the architecture. The highlights include the Da Vinci's. The cartoon is astonishing and worthy of 20 minutes observation. Check out the Titians and Giorgione as well as both Michelangelo attributions. Enjoy the collection of Gainsboroughs including his portraits of his daughters. One special feature of the gallery is that if you ask a guard for the location of a work they will talk to you about it, show an interest and make conversation with you. Thats really rare and the sign of people proud of where they work. Well done Trafalgar Square on a superb collection and a laudable staff.