Where: Trafalgar Square, WC2

What: The National Gallery in London houses one of the greatest collections of European paintings and is one of the most important picture galleries in the world. It has a collection including representatives from every European school of painting, and works by nearly all of the great masters.

The gallery was opened in 1824 with the Angerstein Collection of 38 pictures. Since then the collection has expanded to over 2,300 paintings, spaning the period from about 1250 to 1900. The paintings come from western Europe and their subjects reflect the history, religion and myths of the region.

The collection includes many instantly recognisable masterpieces, such as van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait, Leonardo's Virgin of the Rocks, Velázquez's Toilet of Venus and Van Gogh's Sunflowers.

The Gallery offers lectures, quizzes for children, educational films, guided tours, multi-lingual audio-guides and the Micro Gallery computer information room which allows the visitor to explore the Collection by painting, artist, period or subject.

Special exhibitions (admission charged for major exhibitions) are held throughout the year and musical evenings every Wednesday. The scope of the National Gallery collection and the entertaining educational activities make the National Gallery a place to visit again and again.

Occupying all of the north side of Trafalgar Square, the national gallery is around the corner from the national portrait gallery. Quietest times to visit are early week-day morning or late night Wednesday.

Nearest station: Embankment or Charing Cross

Gallery opening times: daily 10:00 - 18:00 and Wednesday until 21:00. Closed 1 January, 24–26 December.

Admission: (2005) Free. Admission charged for major exhibitions

Website: nationalgallery.org.uk