It has got one of the richest and most expensive collections of paintings in the world

The collection covers all schools and periods of paintings, but is especially famous for its examples of Rembrandt and Rubens.

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The first paintings in the National Gallery collection came from the banker and collector John Julius Angerstein. They consisted of Italian works, including a large altarpiece by Sebastiaano del Piornbo, The Raising of Lasarus and fine examples of Dutch, Flemish and English Schools. Lawrence, John Julius Angerstein, aged over 80, 1824

. This became the founding collection of the National Gallery in The painting has the accession number NG1, making it officially the first painting to enter the Gallery. about The Raising of Lazarus by Sebastiano del Piombo,

In 1823 the landscape painter and art collector, Sir George Beaumont (1753 – 1827), promised his collection of pictures to the nation, on the condition that suitable accommodation could be provided for their display and conservation. The gift of the pictures was made in They went on display alongside Angerstein's pictures in Pall Mall until the whole collection was moved to Trafalgar Square in 1838.

The size of the building – Angerstein's house – was compared unfavourably with other national art galleries, such as the Louvre in Paris, and ridiculed in the press. The paintings displayed in Angerstein's house

Initially, the Gallery had no formal collection policy, and new pictures were acquired according to the personal tastes of the Trustees. By the 1850s the Trustees were being criticized for neglecting to purchase works of the earlier Italian Schools, then known as the Primitives.

Following the reform of Gallery administration in 1855, the new Director travelled throughout Europe to purchase works for the Gallery. In the 10 years that he was Director, Sir Charles Eastlake ensured that the Gallery's collection of Italian painting expanded and widened in scope to become one of the best in the world. Eastlake's purchases included Botticelli's Adoration of the Kings and Uccello's, The Battle of San Romano Uccello's, The Battle of San Romano

In 1871 the Gallery's collection was broadened yet further, when 77 paintings were bought from the collection of the late Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel. These consisted mainly of Dutch and Flemish paintings, and included Hobbema's The Avenue at Middleharnis. Hans Holbein the Younger the Ambassadors

The paintings are represented almost by the whole periods of the world`s art history from the 13 th century Medival paintings to early 20 th century Impressionists, such as Monet, Van Gogh and so on.

This work is a portrait of Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini and his wife, but is not intended as a record of their wedding. His wife is not pregnant, as is often thought, but holding up her full- skirted dress in the contemporary fashion. Arnolfini was a member of a merchant family from Lucca living in Bruges. The couple are shown in a well- appointed interior. The Arnolfini Portrait 1434, Jan van Eyck

Mrs. Thomas Hibbert Mr and Mrs William Hallett ('The Morning Walk') 1785, Thomas Gainsborough

This is perhaps Gainsborough's earliest portrait of his two daughters Mary and Margaret The Artist`s Daughters, 1770 The Painter's Daughters chasing a Butterfly probably about 1756, Thomas Gainsborough

Sunflowers 1888, Vincent van Gogh The Water-Lily Pond 1899, Claude Monet Sunflowers 1888, Vincent van Gogh The Water-Lily Pond 1899, Claude Monet

In 1831 Parliament agreed to construct a building for the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square. There had been lengthy discussion about the best site for the Gallery, and Trafalgar Square was eventually chosen as it was considered to be at the very centre of London. The new building finally opened in

Trafalgar Square could be reached by the rich driving in their carriages from the west of London, and on foot by the poor from the East End. It was felt that in this location the paintings could be enjoyed by all classes in society. With a commitment to free admission, a central and accessible site, and extended opening hours the Gallery has ensured that its collection can be enjoyed by the widest public possible, and not become the exclusive preserve of the privileged. A Party of Working Men at the National Gallery

There was a lot of public criticism of the National Gallery's building and in 1869 the architect E.M. Barry was asked to submit designs for rebuilding the entire Gallery at Trafalgar Square. After much discussion, it was decided that the existing building should remain, and a new wing should be added. This was completed in 1876, and added seven new exhibition rooms at the east end, including the impressive dome.

A site next to the Gallery had been vacant since the Second World War, when a furniture shop was destroyed by bombing. The new Sainsbury Wing was opened in 1991, to display the entire early Renaissance collection This followed on from the Northern Extension, which opened in 1975, providing considerable extra exhibition space: nine large rooms and three smaller 'cabinet' rooms. These new galleries made use of natural lighting as far as possible.

There are five levels in modern buildings of the Art Gallery: level- 2 is the temporary exhibitions, level -1 is the Theatre, level 0 is the National Café, level 1 is. Sainsbury Wing Entrance, level 2 is Pictures Display that is divided into 4 sections:13 th -15 th century pictures, the 17 th century pictures, the 16 th century pictures and the 18 th to early 20 th century pictures

Following the completion of the Sainsbury Wing, the Gallery has a total floor area of 46,396 metres squared - equivalent to around six football pitches. It would be big enough to hold over 2,000 London double-decker buses. With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the Gallery.

With over 2,300 paintings in the collection, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the Gallery. Here are 10 to get you started... See priceless works of art for free

Brush up your skills, create your own masterpiece Family Fun for all age groups workshops 5–11s Talk and Draw Visit as a family Grab a coffee or a glass of wine in the heart of London Friday Lates Espresso Bar Central location

Every painting tells a story  Explore the collection online Explore the collection online  Take the Be Inspired audio tour Take the Be Inspired audio tour  Explore room by room Explore room by room

Concerts at the Gallery every week Music at the Gallery Listen and enjoy

Talks, tours and online guides Learn about art Paintings in depth Events at the Gallery

Great places to eat at the Gallery  National Café National Café  National Dining Room National Dining Room Have a good lunch...

Enjoy free entry 361 days a year and a wide range of free events  Opening hours Opening hours  Free events Free events And it's free!

Exclusive gifts, specialist books and prints of every painting  Shop online Shop online  Shopping at the Gallery Shopping at the Gallery Shop