General admission is free; some exhibitions charge separately. Identify the display you want before booking. Admission, exhibition tickets and baggage rules need separate checks.
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Who this guide is for: Travelers separating free collection visits from paid exhibitions
Compare free booking or walk-up entry for the collection. Check a special exhibition’s date and price separately, and plan external storage for suitcases.
Compare at a glance
| Option | Best fit | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Free general admission | Free booking or walk-up |
| Paid exhibition | Exhibition ticket | Dates and price for your day |
| Departure-day visit | Ticket plus baggage plan | No wheeled luggage |
Separate collection admission from exhibition access
The official visit guide offers a free booking for fast-track entry and advance information; walk-up entry is also available. Free general admission does not include every paid exhibition. Check the current location of the paintings you want.
Use the exhibition’s own date and price
Checked on 6 October 2026, Renoir and Love runs until 31 January 2027. Standard admission is £20 Sunday–Thursday or £25 Friday–Saturday and every day in the first two weeks; under-18s enter free. These prices do not apply to every exhibition. Check your date before purchasing.
Plan luggage storage separately
Suitcases and wheeled cabin bags are prohibited. The maximum permitted bag size is 56 × 25 × 45 cm. Backpacks and large bags cannot enter paid exhibitions: use the cloakroom, listed at £3 per item and free for Members. Leave time to collect luggage stored elsewhere.
The photograph is London context
The Westminster panorama was taken in 2007. It does not show the National Gallery, its exhibitions or current entrance. Use official directions for the visit.
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Before you book
- Collection or special exhibition
- Exhibition dates and day-specific price
- Free booking or walk-up
- Painting location and temporary room closures
- External suitcase storage and retrieval
- Paid-exhibition bag rules
Common questions
Does free admission include every exhibition?
No. Check separate tickets for paid exhibitions.
Can I store a small wheeled cabin bag here?
Wheeled cabin bags are prohibited; arrange storage elsewhere.
Sources and booking conditions
- www.nationalgallery.org.uk — operator, destination or property information
- www.nationalgallery.org.uk — operator, destination or property information
- www.nationalgallery.org.uk — operator, destination or property information
English edition published 2026-10-06. Source review date inherited from the original guide: 2026-10-06. Editorial recommendations are not firsthand reviews or live quotes. Check current prices, availability and conditions before purchase.