National Gallery

The National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square in Central London, is a renowned art museum that houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Founded in 1824, the gallery's collection belongs to the British public and entry to the main collection is free of charge. The gallery's collection, which includes major works representing most significant developments in Western painting, was shaped mainly by its early directors and private donations. The current building, designed by William Wilkins, opened in 1838 and has been expanded throughout its history. The National Gallery has a rich history, including its formation when the British government bought 38 paintings from the heirs of John Julius Angerstein in 1824. Unlike many European national galleries, it was not formed by nationalising an existing royal or princely art collection. The gallery has faced challenges over the years, including space constraints and the rising prices of Old Masters, but it remains a significant cultural institution in Britain.