London

Short description:

Explore the masterpieces of the National Gallery with Dan on this relaxed and engaging 1.5-hour tour. Discover fascinating stories behind the paintings, from the personal lives of the artists to the hidden details in their work. Uncover the meaning and history of iconic artworks, making the world of art accessible and fun for everyone.

Highlights:

• Explore over 700 years of art history, from the 1200s to the 20th century, with an expert guide.
• Discover the hidden stories, personal dramas, and cultural upheavals that inspired the world’s greatest masterpieces.
• Enjoy a relaxed, conversational approach—perfect for art enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
• Marvel at works by legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and more.
• Customize your experience by exploring favorite or lesser-known pieces with your guide.

Full description:

The National Gallery is an amazing museum with over 700 years of art history within its many rooms. It is London's answer to the Louvre and the Uffizi, and it can be equally as exhilarating and exhausting.

For this tour, I offer to gently walk you through the paintings while following a coherent storyline. So much is happening behind the paint and brushtrokes of the masters: wars, plagues, revolutions, religious upheavals, and much more.
Many artists were expressing the strangeness of the time they were living in, many expressed their own inner turmoils and anxieties.

I would like to take you on a guided walk and not pontificate on art. We'll have a walk and a chat about what is happening on the surface and behind these great artworks. We'll also poke fun at the seriousness of art history, and get to see how many works reference one another.

We will meet all the big names from the 1200s to the 20th century. The purpose of this tour is to gain a better understanding on the history of art and what to read in a painting, but also to have fun doing it, in a relaxed, informal way. I keep the groups small for that reason.

Hi, I'm Daniel, a professional London tour guide and I work for both tour companies and private tours of my own. Being a guide is the best job ever as I get to meet so many people from all parts of the world, and I've taken thousands of visitors on journeys across London.

Sharing London’s history is my passion, and the National Gallery is a personal favorite. It’s packed with masterpieces, each with a story waiting to be uncovered.

This isn’t a lecture, it’s a conversation about what makes art so compelling and human. I’ll help you discover the joy in understanding a painting, from the funny quirks to the profound emotions behind the brushstrokes. I look forward to showing you this iconic institution through a unique and engaging lens!

Know before you go

• This tour is wheelchair accessible
• This tour is available in English or Italian

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes

Included / Not Included

✔️ Guided tour with a professional art historian

❌ Transportation to National Gallery

❌ Food and Drink

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.