National Gallery of Art in London visitation

You don't need to book your ticket ahead at all, but if you want to ensure entry and not wait in line, it is recommended that you book online for each visit. Whether you book ahead depends on when you're going. In summer, I would probably book ahead just to be safe. Admission is free, although some special exhibits will have an entrance fee.

With rewards to leeway, most places will give you up to 15 minutes and possibly longer, but you may have to wait in line if you're later than that. FWIW, all of this information and much more is available at the National Gallery website: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/plan-your-visit

We were there two weeks ago. We reserved our time slot for when it opened and we were part of a lineup of maybe 75 people? There was also a lineup for those without booked times. Our line went in first but none of it took very long. In the later morning when we left, there was no line up to get in.

I walked in right away yesterday afternoon. There was no line. Weekends are likely another matter.

Be aware that the National Gallery is organized somewhat haphazardly. There's no obvious temporal organization: instead, the museum presents its works by stylistic pattern as to explicitly Christian art involving depiction of Jesus and his circle: portraiture: still lifes: etc. They do have a magnificent collection of Rembrandts, though.

On balance I'd recommend the Tate (definitely NOT the Tate Modern) over the National Gallery, but others no doubt disagree.

On balance I'd recommend the Tate (definitely NOT the Tate Modern)

Tate Britain (which was "The Tate Gallery" before Tate Modern opened in 2000) is definitely worth a visit. It's not on the same scale as The National Gallery so it's not a direct comparison to my mind. Tate Britain's collection is the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day so it is restricted in its scope compared to The National Gallery too. There might be a lot of British artists you've never heard of. Well worth a visit. Lovely old building, some great art, nice cafe and a good shop.

Tate Britain's collection is the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day so it is restricted in its scope compared to The National Gallery too.

Fair point, though my interest in paintings before the 16th century is pretty low overall.

Tate Britain highlights for me might include Ophelia, The John Martin, Bridget Riley's op art, the Henry Moores, A Bigger Splash, the Francis Bacon triptych, the Turners, Constable. Just off the top of my head from stuff that should definitely be on display.

As to the actual question in the OP, I personally wouldn't bother booking tickets in advance for any of the national museums in London. The busiest time for queuing would be first thing in the morning I'd guess as people wait for opening. As far as I know, entry numbers aren't restricted post-COVID. I'm not sure about security bag checks; are they mandatory and global across all the national museums at the moment? That would be the only hold up really I think.

The very cynical part of me thinks that they push timed entries so they can get an email address to try to sell you stuff later.

With the recent re-opening of the Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery (it was closed for a couple years), it may be more busy than usual. While timed-entry tickets probably are not necessary, you may want to consider them, especially if you’re visiting during the summer tourist season. As for leeway, while I can't guarantee anything, we showed up early/late to some of our appointments and were let in with no problem, though this was early May.

I've been trying to book tickets for since before May 20 and the calendar on the National Gallery of Art's website hasn't gone beyond July 10 in all of that time. I will be there after July 10. I tried to refresh my browser and use a different browser and even allowed cookies but no luck. Does this mean that they are already booked after July 10?

micheleb, I wouldn't stress about it. You'll get in.

My less cynical take than my one a few posts above is that museums, particularly ones that don't charge an entry fee, depend on "engagement". I guess receiving an email about membership, upcoming exhibitions or new gift items now and again is a small price to pay. It won't hurt to book a time slot in advance.

The National Gallery has just reopened (although it was never completely shut!) after an extensive remodel of the Sainsbury Wing which has now become the main entrance. The collection has been completely rehung in a way that happens very rarely.

Thanks, Gerry. I was hoping to not have to queue for too long, being there for a limited time.

I hope neither you nor the OP have to wait too long to get in.

I'm pretty relaxed about it but I understand wanting to schedule things too.

There’s no guarantee this will work. But when I was there a year ago or so there was a very long line to get in. I went over to Waterstones and had a cup of tea in their café, opened up my phone and booked a reservation for literally 15 minutes later. And then I walked back over there and walked right in and some of those same people were still standing in line.