Celebrating 200 years of the National Gallery

The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is celebrating their Bicentenary this month. Kicking off on 10^th May, celebrations marking 200 years of bringing people and portraits together will continue for the next year, with a programme of events focusing on art, creativity and imagination which will hopefully set the tone for the gallery as it enters its third century.

Over the next year, you can enjoy a series of programmes including the following:

National Treasures
12 museums and galleries are hosting 12 exhibitions, featuring various National Treasures, which will put more than half the UK population within an hour’s journey of a National Gallery masterpiece.

Art Road Trip
Art Road Trip will tour the UK, bringing 200 National Gallery workshops and learning activities to different communities who otherwise would not have ready access.

The Triumph of Art by artist Jeremy Deller
A national public art commission showing how festivals are part of art, culture and civic life and how art and artists can be catalysts of collaboration and joy.

200 Creators

We’ve collaborated with 200 social media creators from across the UK, celebrating 200 years of the gallery as a beacon of creativity.

Behind the Scenes
A new online film series that takes viewers behind the scenes of the National Gallery creating a continuous micro documentary highlighting key aspects of the NG200 programme.

200 paintings for 200 years
We open the door to the entire history of a painting, in one place, sharing the wealth of the National Gallery’s research, digitally available for everyone, everywhere, anytime.

The Virtual Gallery
We will create a new, large scale digital gallery experience for the bicentenary available via their website.

Summer on the square
A free festival of art in Trafalgar Square, London, made by children for children. Designed to unlock the nation’s creativity and bring art to the streets of Westminster.

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers
A once in a century exhibition which comes exactly 100 years after the National Gallery acquired Van Gough’s Chair and Sunflowers.

Siena: The rise of painting 1330-1350
The first ever full scale exhibition of early Sienese art outside Italy.

NG Stories: Making a Masterpiece
The story of the gallery and the people who have played a part in its 200 year history, delivered through digital experiences.

Our rehang
The entire National Gallery collection will be redisplayed with a new emphasis on thematic displays, pairings and surprising artistic conversations within a broadly chronological framework.

In addition to this programme of events, the National Gallery will also be collaborating with well known brands and organisations, including the Royal Mint who will be releasing a collectable £2 coin; Dr Martens who will be releasing limited edition items including boots, shoes and backpacks; BBC’s Songs of Praise, who will broadcast from the Gallery; The Boodles Garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show will also be celebrating the anniversary with a garden that is created in the spirit of the works on display.

These and much more form part of the celebrations.  If you’re in Trafalgar Square on 10^th May, head to the National Gallery for the Big Birthday Weekend Late and Light Show, which starts at 6pm. As well as a chance to enjoy the paintings, there will also be a special performance by Jools Holland for lucky ballot winners, as well as an evening of live music performances and creative workshops and a light show from 9pm.

The National Gallery aims to make access to paintings as enjoyable and welcoming to the widest possible audience. You can find specific access information here.