Private Tour of the National Gallery in London
Admire masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Two Crabs and Monet's Water Lilies with a dedicated guide
Did you know Hans Holbein’s The Ambassadors hides a distorted skull that can only be seen from a specific angle? The National Gallery is home to some of the world’s most celebrated artworks, from Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire to Rembrandt's Belshazzar's Feast. Your dedicated guide will offer a personalized journey through centuries of art, and reveal the stories behind the brushstrokes. Skip the line and uncover the hidden symbolism and history of these timeless treasures.
- Meet your guide at the National Gallery Portico Entrance
- The National Gallery
- Monet's Water Lilies
- Van Gogh's Farms near Auvers
- Van Eyck's The Arnolfini Portrait
- Da Vinci's The Virgin of the Rocks
- End inside the National Gallery
Begin your journey at the Portico Entrance on Trafalgar Square, where your personal guide will introduce you to masterpieces like Holbein’s The Ambassadors, renowned for its hidden symbolism. Explore highlights such as Van Gogh’s Farms near Auvers, Leonardo’s The Virgin of the Rocks, and Monet’s serene Water Lilies.
As you move through the gallery, your guide will share tailored insights into each piece, from Caravaggio’s dramatic Supper at Emmaus to Turner’s evocative The Fighting Temeraire. Conclude your experience inside the National Gallery to continue exploring on your own.
Private National Gallery Tour Description
Your 2-hour private tour includes:
Private tour with an art historian guide
Skip-the-line entry to the National Gallery
Curated exploration of top masterpieces
Van Gogh's Farms near Auvers
Caravaggio's Supper at Emmaus
Tailored storytelling and historical insights
Early Renaissance Masterpieces
Your journey begins with Holbein’s The Ambassadors, a masterpiece renowned for its hidden symbolism. Your guide will point out the anamorphic skull, a striking detail only visible from a specific angle, and explain its deeper meaning within the painting’s context. Then, marvel at Van Eyck’s Arnolfini Portrait, where meticulous details like the convex mirror and intricate fabrics reveal layers of storytelling about Renaissance life and art.
The Romantic and Impressionist Movements
Explore Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, an emotional tribute to the Industrial Revolution, showcasing the final voyage of a grand ship set against a glowing sunset. From there, immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s Farms near Auvers, a bold celebration of color and emotion. Learn how Van Gogh’s personal struggles and artistic innovations influenced this timeless masterpiece. Conclude with Monet’s Water Lilies, where luminous brushstrokes transport you to the tranquility of his garden in Giverny.
Religious and Historical Art
Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks, a masterpiece of intricate composition and lifelike detail. Your guide will delve into the painting’s mysterious history and Da Vinci’s groundbreaking techniques. Next, experience the emotional intensity of Paul Delaroche’s The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, which captures the tragic moment before her decapitation with haunting realism and deep historical resonance.
Dramatic Realism and Symbolism
End with Caravaggio’s Supper at Emmaus, where dramatic chiaroscuro and lifelike figures create a captivating scene of revelation. Your guide will unpack how Caravaggio’s revolutionary use of light transformed art forever. Wrap up with Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne, a dramatic portrayal of Ariadne’s rescue by Bacchus, rich with color and movement.
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a curiosity for art!
What to bring?
Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and a curiosity for art!
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the National Gallery is wheelchair accessible. Contact us for specific accommodations.
Are tickets included?
Yes, we will have your tickets ready at the start of your tour!
What if I don’t know much about art?
No problem! This tour is designed to make art accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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