Tue 13 Oct 2026121 on tonightBFI London Film Festival ends SundayHalloween events opens FridayDiwali opens next TuesdayWhen the clocks change opens next Sunday Saved

Exhibitions Friday 2 October 2026 Free

Late opening: National Gallery on Friday

Name: Late opening: National Gallery on Friday
Start: 2026-10-02T18:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-10-02T21:00:00+01:00
Location: The National Gallery

The National Gallery stays open to nine every Friday and the rooms are close to empty after seven. Free, and the best way to see the collection.

This has been and gone. It ran on Friday 2 October 2026. For what is on now, see tonight or this week. See also everything that has been and gone.

WhenFriday 2 October 2026
18:00 to 21:00
WhereThe National GalleryTrafalgar Square, WC2NMore in Covent Garden
PriceFree
TicketsSee venue

Venue page

Times and prices are what the venue published when we checked. They move, so confirm on the venue's own page before you travel.

Directions

What to expect

October’s first Friday late. The nights are drawing in and the gallery is warm and free.

Entry is free and the Friday late is the one evening the rooms empty out. The Sainsbury Wing holds the early Italian and Netherlandish paintings and is the quietest end of the building; the Impressionists are the busiest whatever the hour.

Charing Cross is two minutes away, which makes this one of the easiest evenings in London to leave.

Nearby

Covent Garden has the nearest stations and everything else on in the same part of town. The The National Gallery page collects every listing we hold for that address. Filed under Exhibitions.

Listed by Angela. Checked 8 September 2026. Details can change on the night; the venue link is the one to trust.