From the moment we walked up the stone steps and entered the grand portico, we knew we were visiting somewhere special. Every room we went in was just amazing and had so many potential options. Although we only discussed a few spaces here, there was so much more on offer. From the glorious Portico and Mosaic Terrace, through to the fabulous Wohl Room and Central Hall, the National Gallery has left an impression that we will never forget.
Whatever event you are planning, you need to visit here. As no matter what we write, we will never be able do it justice. Simply put…WOW!
Founded in 1824 and overlooking Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, is the world-famous National Gallery. Home to some of the nation’s most famous treasures, this incredible place is far, far more than a mere tourist attraction. Grand architecture, Victorian splendour and modern styling all combine with over 2,300 famous pieces of art to form a venue unlike any other. And in case you didn’t know, it has some amazing spaces available to hire for your events!
Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk/venue-hire
Conference Sales Contact: Charlotte Standen - Business Development Manager
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 5931 or +44 (0)7714 440 301
Email: Charlotte.Standen@ng-london.org.uk
Distance & time from nearest airport:
Distance & time from nearest railway station:
Right in the centre of London, lies this iconic venue that truly is a hidden gem in the world of event planning. Although it is a famous tourist attraction and is well known amongst art lovers, it is less well known as a venue for events. That ends today!
From the building’s beautifully, imposing classical design through to the incredible artwork adorning the walls, this venue will blow you and your delegates away. Grand staircases, intricate domed ceilings and marble columns form the backdrop to what would be an incredible location for any event.
Whilst many of the rooms are grand and imposing, there are however, numerous spaces that are modern and contemporary. From conference spaces, formal dining, through to outdoor drinks receptions, the Gallery has got you covered. These options, together with the amazingly friendly and professional staff ensure that whatever event you are planning, there is an option that is just perfect for you.
Parking: There are tons of parking options within 10 minutes’ walk
Coach / Bus Pick-up Location at hotel: Drop off is available at the side of the building on Whitcomb Street or Orange Street. Coaches will however need to drop off and return for pick up.
Accommodation:
There are literally thousands of hotel bedrooms available within a 5-15 minute walk.
Number of floors: 3
Business centre: Any of the National Gallery team can print and photocopy items for you
Wi-fi: Yes. All free and excellent throughout the whole building
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Whether you are after a fresh stone-baked pizza, a seasonal salad or something quick just to grab and go, the two main eating places here can cater to your needs.
The National Café is one of the largest event spaces in the gallery and offers everything from all-day dining to barista-made coffee. Although the café is usually for the general public, this modern and funky space can also be hired for private events where drinks receptions can be held for up to 500 people.
Located on the 1st floor, the National Dining Rooms offers a family friendly menu made with top quality British ingredients and is a great place to go and eat. Able to seat 200 for lunch, it can also be used for evening drinks receptions – but more on this place later…
MEETING / CONFERENCE ROOMS
There are 22 incredible event spaces available at the National Gallery with the option to also hire the whole Gallery for a drinks reception for 1,200 people. With everything from regular meeting rooms, galleries, a Portico and even a purpose-built theatre, this is not your typical venue. Indeed, it’s not every day that you are able to surround yourself by some of the greatest artwork in the world.
Whether its formal dining, a casual breakfast or a quirky drinks reception, there are loads of options open to you and you can rest assured that there is a perfect space for your event here. What’s more, whatever room you choose, the Gallery’s professional and friendly staff will help you in every way they can.
Whilst we could happily review each room in detail, we have (with difficulty!) chosen to showcase just four of the amazing spaces available here. We do, however, have to briefly recommend a couple of others. Most notable of which, is the Portico Terrace with its views that overlook Trafalgar Square. For drinks receptions for up to 100 people, it is simply incredible. Annenberg Court is also a brilliantly contemporary space that can be either used for parties or dressed for any kind of event.
Barry Rooms
Surrounded by huge marble pillars and with a palatial feel, the Barry Rooms is the most opulent space in the Gallery and has a huge draw-dropping wow factor. Four distinct galleries join together under a central space that is crowned by a huge beautiful domed ceiling.
The shear grandeur of this space immediately lends itself to more formal occasions and would be an incredible option for either intimate or even larger scale dinners. What’s more, with the Impressionist and British paintings galleries in the adjacent rooms, guests can also take in some world-famous artwork as well.
Natural light: Yes
Size: Sq.M: 566
Reception: 300
Theatre: 108
Dinner: 150
Location: Level 2
AV Equipment included: No but can be hired by the Gallery or an accredited supplier
Gallery A
Located on the ground floor, Gallery A showcases the entire 600-year-old story of European painting in chronological order. With numerous alcoves, this beautifully contemporary space invites guests to meander around, musing at the fabulous pieces of art and would be a perfect choice for drinks receptions or dinners.
This versatile room is the epitome of chic elegance and holds anywhere from 30 – 300 for a reception or 10 – 108 for dinner.
Natural light: No
Size: Sq.M: 795
Reception: 300
Dinner: 108
Location: Level 0
AV Equipment included: No but can be hired by the Gallery or an accredited supplier
Lecture Theatre
Located on the -1 floor and able to seat 328 people is the Gallery’s Lecture Theatre. Being purpose built, it has excellent AV and comes with huge loading bays – vital to make any large scale event run smoothly.
Despite not having the masterpieces or grand architecture that the galleries have, it is a truly fantastic space that would be ideal for conferences, product launches or as a screening room. With clean lines and modern design, the Theatre is a superb space that should not be overlooked. If you book a Day Delegate Rate package, you also get exclusive use of the National Dining Rooms.
Natural light: No
Size: Sq.M: 294
Theatre: 328
Location: -1 floor
AV Equipment included: 4K Projector and screen, 8 radio microphone channels, lectern with comfort monitor, stage furniture and dedicated Audio Visual Technicians
National Dining Rooms
Located on the 1st floor in the Sainsbury Wing and Designed by award winning architect Robert Venturi, the National Dining Rooms is a fantastic space.
With capacity to hold 200 people for a sit-down lunch or up to 300 people for lunch reception. This flexible space can be hired individually or combined with other spaces in the gallery. What’s more, your guests will be free to soak up the very cool vibe here by either contemplating the exquisite mural by renowned artist Paula Rego or taking in the incredible views over Trafalgar Square.
Natural light: Yes
Size: Sq.M: 290
Reception: 300
Dinner: 200
Location: Level 1
AV Equipment included: N/A
For meeting room capacities, layouts and further information please click here: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/media/30578/national-gallery-conference-brochure-2019.pdf
For all-inclusive meeting room packages, please click here:
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/media/30054/conferencing-package-brochure-2019.pdf